IT leaders serious about AI readiness are implementing targeted training programs that drive specific organizational outcomes. After discovering the high costs of hiring external AI experts, some CIOs have developed in-house training methods that extend beyond IT departments to the entire enterprise. Early adopters have identified four key approaches now considered essential for any organization’s AI training initiatives.
Increasing Office Productivity
Construction services company Arco launched its first AI training program to help employees effectively use Microsoft Copilot for tasks such as meeting transcription and task management. The initial training, conducted by Microsoft experts, targeted executives and their assistants. Success was measured through Copilot activation rates, workflow integration, and participant satisfaction surveys. Following a successful pilot in October 2024, Arco made the training mandatory for all 4,000 employees, offering it as a five-hour online course covering AI fundamentals.
Improving Core Functions
Arco’s second-level training focused on matching AI capabilities to business challenges in the construction industry. This five-day online program covered the entire construction process, from job estimation to project execution. Participants were required to submit innovative ideas to the company’s innovation portal, leading to practical implementations such as an AI tool for legal case analysis. Around two-thirds of Arco’s employees have taken this voluntary course.
Developing AI Skills Across the Organization
Engineering companies like Lexmark have been at the forefront of AI adoption. Four years ago, Lexmark partnered with North Carolina State University’s AI Academy, enabling employees to enroll in degree programs without tuition fees. Vishal Gupta, Lexmark’s CITO, reported that the company has grown its data scientist team from five to 100 through this program. The training wasn’t limited to technical staff; it was open to employees from various departments, teaching them Python programming and AI application development.
Building an AI Culture
The University of Phoenix has established communities of practice to foster practical AI skills. Marc Booker, vice provost of strategy, emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and mentorship in technology adoption. By creating open forums for knowledge sharing, the university encourages collaboration between experienced technologists and eager learners. Lexmark also launched an ‘AI Foundations’ course, which saw an unexpectedly high enrollment of 5,000 employees within two months.
Forward-thinking CIOs recognize that enthusiasm for AI presents an opportunity to cultivate a culture of innovation. By designing training programs that focus on practical outcomes and empower employees to solve problems creatively, IT leaders can unlock the true potential of AI technology and prepare their workforce for future challenges.
