Salesforce Unveils Free AI Training Initiative to Bridge Skills Gap
Salesforce has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at providing free AI training through its Trailhead online learning platform. This groundbreaking program will offer premium AI courses and certifications at no cost until 2025, with an investment exceeding $50 million to tackle the escalating AI skills gap.
The initiative responds to the surging demand for AI tools in various business sectors. Recent data indicates that executive efforts to integrate AI into operations have surged sevenfold in just six months. However, a significant challenge persists, as over two-thirds of employees have yet to apply AI in their roles, and only 15% feel adequately trained to use AI effectively.
Expanding Access to AI Training
Salesforce has empowered hundreds of thousands of professionals to enhance their technical skills through instructor-led training and certifications. With this new initiative, the company plans to reach an additional 100,000 learners, offering critical AI training on Trailhead. The updated platform now features AI-focused courses, covering essential topics such as AI fundamentals, ethical AI practices, and prompting. Since June 2023, more than 2.6 million AI and data badges have been earned, equipping learners with vital skills for the future.
Global AI Training Centers
Salesforce is establishing AI training centers in key global locations. Following the launch of its inaugural AI Center in London, the company plans to introduce a pop-up AI Center in San Francisco in 2025, with additional facilities in major cities like Chicago, Tokyo, and Sydney. These centers will provide in-person training sessions, facilitating collaboration among industry experts, partners, and customers to drive AI innovation and address urgent upskilling needs.
Upskilling the Workforce
Salesforce is dedicated to upskilling its workforce of 72,000 employees through quarterly AI learning days and immersive experiences in its newly dedicated AI Knowledge Center in San Francisco. Employees are gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI innovations, including Agentforce, which boosts efficiency in service, sales, marketing, and commerce.
Since the introduction of Slack AI in February, which streamlines information and enhances task management, Salesforce employees have saved nearly 3 million work hours. Notably, close to 40% of the 2.6 million AI and data badges earned on Trailhead are attributed to Salesforce employees, underscoring the company’s commitment to equipping its workforce for the AI-driven future.
For more details on these training offerings, visit Trailhead.
