Microsoft & Pearson unite for AI skills development

Microsoft and Pearson have announced a strategic collaboration focusing on AI skilling and learning, aimed at enhancing the abilities of learners, workers, and employers to meet the demands of an AI-driven economy.

The partnership intends to address the global challenge of skilling for AI, merging Pearson's expertise in learning and assessment with Microsoft's advanced cloud and AI technologies. This initiative seeks to equip the workforce with necessary skills, enabling companies to maximise the benefits from AI technologies.

A survey conducted by IDC revealed that a lack of skilled workers poses a significant challenge for enterprises implementing AI technology. Additionally, Microsoft's Work Trend Index Annual Report indicates that 66% of leaders are reluctant to hire individuals without AI skills.

Pearson's research also suggests that generative AI could potentially save US workers 78 million hours per week on repetitive tasks, which contribute to burnout.

The collaboration will involve various initiatives, including scaling personalised learning through Pearson's content, assessment, upskilling, and certification services powered by Microsoft Azure Cloud Computing and AI infrastructure. This effort aims to provide AI-enhanced services to a global audience, expanding learning opportunities across different stages of the learning journey.

Furthermore, Microsoft and Pearson plan to introduce AI credentials and certifications, alongside developing tools to aid skill development, such as English language learning, and identifying skills gaps. This component of the partnership is expected to stimulate collaboration and market growth for both companies.

Additionally, Microsoft will continue its partnership with Pearson VUE, extending their collaboration through 2029 to further deliver Microsoft Cloud and Office certifications. This certification expansion seeks to reach a wider demographic of learners and workers worldwide.

Pearson will also incorporate Microsoft 365 Copilot into its global workforce, intending to enhance organisational efficiency and productivity through AI tools.

Pearson CEO Omar Abbosh stated, "AI is driving a true revolution in education and work, and we must reinvent the way people learn to meet this crucial moment. Partnering with Microsoft means we can reach more learners than ever before."

"By blending Microsoft's AI leadership and Pearson's trusted enterprise skilling and learning services, we can bring enterprise learners precisely what they need to forge ahead in their careers and help them to realise the life they imagine. This new chapter with Microsoft is yet another way we are building on our commitment to expand AI in our products and sharpen our focus on the enterprise market. Importantly, it reflects the opportunity ahead for Pearson and the people we serve."

Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft, remarked, "The speed and scale of today's AI innovation present an opportunity for organisations across industries to accelerate AI transformation. As AI investments increase, the demand for training and support to enable effective and responsible use of AI has never been greater. We are thrilled to partner with Pearson to help global enterprises develop learning experiences that empower employees with the AI skills needed to help advance their careers and achieve more."

The collaboration continues efforts by both companies to enhance AI skilling globally. In 2024, Microsoft and its associates trained and certified over 23 million people in digital skills, while Pearson launched its Generative AI Foundations certification to equip individuals with the skills to work with generative AI technologies. Pearson also provides AI-driven capabilities and certification tools to assist organisations in evaluating and certifying skills.