Key Takeaways:
– Coursera aims to address the GenAI skills gap with the introduction of novel courses on GenAI.
– Latest data points to a 30% increase in job postings requiring GenAI skills.
– Currently, only 5% of companies have embarked on large-scale AI upskilling for their workforce.
– The launch of chatGPT by OpenAI has heightened global interest in GenAI.
– A majority of workers (94%) are eager to acquire new skills to work with GenAI.
– Coursera has over 250 comprehensive courses on GenAI to its credit with new enrollments every minute.
As the demand for skills in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) surges, businesses worldwide are grappling to upskill their workforce adequately. Coursera, the prominent online education platform, is stepping up its game to address this need by launching distinct courses in GenAI.
Understanding the Demand for GenAI Skills
Quentin McAndrew, a Global Academic Strategist for Coursera, reports a 30% increase in job postings mentioning GenAI, asserting GenAI as the most sought-after skill globally. Despite the magnitude of value GenAI can deliver, a surprising lack of formal AI training persists. According to a 2023 Accenture survey, only 5% of companies have initiated AI reskilling programs for their workforce on a larger scale. This underutilization may largely be attributable to the relative novelty of GenAI and the rapid technological advancements involved.
Addressing the GenAI Skills Gap with Coursera
Coursera, with its rich pedigree of partnering with over 300 universities nationwide, stands at the forefront of AI education. The platform offers an array of online courses, certifications, and degrees, including data analytics and AI. Over 250 of its 7000 available courses are specifically designed for GenAI, with enrollment rates quadrupling in the span of just one year (2023-2024).
The GenAI courses on offer cover a broad spectrum, ranging from highly technical classes aimed at GenAI application development to practical classes centered on specific areas of GenAI use. Coursera’s recent announcements on AI Appreciation Day, which include the launch of seven new GenAI courses and certificates, eight entry-level professional certificates updated with GenAI, and the GenAI Academy for Teams, attest to its commitment to bridging the GenAI skills gap.
Worker’s Willingness to Learn GenAI
The workforce’s willingness to transition demonstrates an optimistic trend. An Accenture study shows 94% of employees are ready to learn new GenAI skills. Moreover, a Microsoft and LinkedIn survey in May 2024 reveals that 66% of corporate leaders would be reluctant to hire someone without AI skills, and 71% would prefer a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced one without.
Coursera’s Growing Influence in GenAI Education
Coursera’s GenAI course enrollments have clocked an impressive two million. Registering four new participants every minute, the platform emerges as the go-to solution for both GenAI basics and application creation. Some of its most popular launches this year include a certificate from Google on GenAI fundamentals and a Vanderbilt University course from Dr. Jules White, a leading GenAI educator, on prompt engineering.
Building a Vertical Pathway for GenAI Learning
McAndrew argues GenAI skills will become as commonplace and essential as knowing Excel or Word in today’s digital age. Coursera and its university partners are actively curating curriculum for specific GenAI needs pertinent to different business verticals.
Moving forward, GenAI uptake will be augmented by including ethics as an integral component within the curriculum scope. These efforts ensure that as GenAI infiltrates all occupational facets, the training provided remains comprehensive and relevant.
The World Economic Forum suggests that 61% of those currently employed will require re-training in the next two to three years. Coursera’s initiatives mark a formative start towards creating a well-trained AI workforce ready for this AI-first world. As such, the importance of addressing these GenAI skill gaps cannot be overstated. The proficiency in GenAI will empower individuals to enhance their efficiency and productivity in an increasingly AI-driven world.
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