Andhra Pradesh and Microsoft to Collaborate on AI Skill Development
The Andhra Pradesh government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to promote skill development among the state’s youth in artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. The primary goal is to equip individuals with essential AI skills and advanced technological knowledge through vocational training programs. This initiative aims to create a skilled workforce for IT and other industries within Andhra Pradesh.
Representatives from Microsoft and the Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation formalized the agreement at the state secretariat, according to IT, Electronics, and Education Minister N. Lokesh Naidu. Education Secretary Kona Sasidhar, Skill Development Corporation Managing Director Ganesh Kumar, Executive Director Dinesh Kumar, South Head of Microsoft for Government Business Dinesh Kanakamedala, and Microsoft India South-Asia Director Sandeep Bandwedar were also in attendance.
Minister Lokesh Naidu stated that the agreement envisions Microsoft providing skill development training to over two lakh youths within a year. He believes that this training will prepare young people to take advantage of employment opportunities emerging worldwide in AI and related fields.
As part of the program, Microsoft will offer training in AI and cloud computing to 500 teachers and 10,000 engineering students from 50 rural engineering colleges across the state. Furthermore, AI training in digital productivity will be extended to 30,000 students from 30 Industrial Training Institutes. The initiative will also incorporate AI skill development for 40,000 youths to enable the introduction of Passport to Earning 2.0, a digital platform meant to provide more avenues for skills acquisition and employment opportunities for young residents. Additionally, 20,000 more youths will be trained with the cooperation of the Union Labour and Employment Ministry.
The program will also include 100 hours of AI training for 50,000 individuals, intending to enhance public services and boost capacity among state government officials. The AP Skill Development Corporation will then implement a civil services capacity-building program. Upskilling and reskilling in AI will be provided to 20,000 staff members through self-learning resources, workshops, and webinars focusing on interdepartmental collaboration. The corporation will furnish the necessary physical infrastructure for AI training in related areas, and Microsoft will collaborate closely with relevant departments for implementing these AI training programs. Microsoft will contribute essential training and certification to introduce an AI curriculum in educational establishments.
