Microsoft launches AI Academy for Australasian organisations

Microsoft has announced the broad availability of its AI Academy in Australia and New Zealand, aiming to help organisations enhance their AI capabilities and accelerate AI adoption across the workforce. The program supports both technical professionals, such as software developers and data scientists, and non-technical workers, including business managers and administrative staff. The initiative focuses on the productivity, creativity, and growth opportunities presented by generative AI.

The AI Academy's rollout follows a successful pilot involving five organisations: Australia Post, ASB Bank, Bank of Queensland (BOQ), National Australia Bank (NAB), and the Western Australian Government. More than 4,100 employees from these entities completed in-person and virtual AI upskilling programs during the pilot phase. According to the Tech Council of Australia, AI could create up to 200,000 AI-related jobs in the country by 2030, significantly boosting productivity and economic growth.

Jo Dooley, General Manager of Enterprise Commercial at Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, stated, "The AI Academy addresses a strategic shift in how our customers across government and industry want to upskill their employees in AI, with the focus now on all roles in their organisation rather than specific employees or teams."

Microsoft has partnered with Akkodis Australia to deliver the initial series of programs. These include general upskilling initiatives designed to drive AI adoption and capability building alongside more in-depth workshops tailored for leaders, functional leads, developers, and technology teams.

Peter Hawkins, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President at Akkodis Australia, stated, "As a Microsoft Consulting Partner and authorised Microsoft Training Services Partner, Akkodis Australia is uniquely positioned to bring a wealth of practical experience and expertise to the AI Academy. Designed by Akkodis and run by dedicated program managers, the academy offers comprehensive AI upskilling for all teams across an organisation."

Microsoft's Work Trend Index indicates a strong uptake of generative AI in the workplace in Australia and New Zealand, with 84% of employees using the technology, compared to a global average of 75%. Additionally, a considerable number of employees are using their own AI tools at work, with 78% in Australia and 81% in New Zealand not waiting for formal introduction by their organisations.

Jessica Gleeson, Executive of Data Strategy and Execution at NAB, highlighted the importance of continuous upskilling: "Given the rapid advances of technology, upskilling is hugely important, and over several years, we've been building a strong learning culture at NAB. This includes the establishment of a Data & Analytics Guild to help train and develop our people with their technical and conceptual skills across data science practices, data governance, data privacy and literacy, and the ethical use of data, AI and machine learning. Our participation in the Microsoft AI Academy builds on this approach, providing our people with a new way to learn and upskill in AI, and ensuring NAB is strategically positioned to capitalise on the opportunities AI offers to enhance the experiences of our customers and colleagues."

Michael McNamara, Executive General Manager of Enterprise Services at Australia Post, added, "The academy program is all about educating our team members on the power of AI and how to use it securely and responsibly. Empowering our people to do new things faster, better and smarter is integral to how we will work into the future. Under our Post26 Strategy, this is part of a transformation that's highly focused on streamlining our business and improving customer experience across everything we do."

Craig Ryman, Chief Information Officer at BOQ, said, "AI is a critical tool for workplace productivity, innovation and customer engagement. The AI Academy has provided valuable foundational training for our teams, which will help drive BOQ's ambition to be at the forefront of leveraging AI."

The AI Academy is now accessible to all organisations in Australia and New Zealand and is poised for expansion across Asia. Organisations interested in participating can contact their Microsoft Training Program Manager to collaborate with Akkodis or their preferred Microsoft Training Services Partner to design a bespoke academy. Costs will vary depending on the number and type of programs selected. Additionally, organisations can create their customised programs using Microsoft's free skilling assets through Microsoft Learn for Organisations.