Microsoft Corp, and Pearson, the world’s leading lifelong learning company, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at addressing one of the most pressing challenges faced by organizations worldwide: preparing workers for the AI-driven economy. The collaboration will focus on creating innovative AI-powered products and services that equip employers, workers, and learners with the skills needed for the future of work in an increasingly AI-centric world. By combining Pearson’s expertise in learning and assessment with Microsoft’s cloud and AI technologies, this partnership is set to play a pivotal role in reskilling the workforce and unlocking the full potential of AI within organizations.
According to a global survey by IDC, the shortage of skilled workers is the primary challenge for enterprises implementing AI technology. Similarly, the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report from Microsoft and LinkedIn reveals that 66% of business leaders believe that hiring individuals without AI skills is no longer an option. Additionally, Pearson’s Skills Outlook: Reclaim the Clock research indicates that generative AI has the potential to save U.S. workers up to 78 million hours per week by automating routine and repetitive tasks that often lead to burnout.
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Rethinking Reskilling to Fuel Growth
In light of the urgent need to rethink learning and reskill the workforce, Pearson and Microsoft will collaborate in several transformative ways:
- Personalized Learning at Scale: Pearson will integrate its trusted content, assessments, upskilling, and certification services with Microsoft Azure Cloud and AI infrastructure. This collaboration will enable Pearson to scale its AI capabilities, providing personalized learning experiences and AI-enabled services to millions of learners worldwide at various stages of their educational journey.
- Innovative Collaboration and Go-to-Market Opportunities: The two companies will introduce new AI credentials and certifications to help individuals build AI proficiency and technical skills. Moreover, Pearson and Microsoft will collaborate on AI tools, copilots, and agents designed to support skills development, such as English language learning, and help individuals identify and address skills gaps seamlessly in the workplace. This collaboration will also include joint go-to-market initiatives to drive growth for both companies.
- Investing in Technology-Driven Careers: Microsoft will extend its current partnership with Pearson VUE, a key provider of Microsoft Cloud and Office certifications, through 2029. This expansion will make essential credentials accessible to millions more learners and workers, helping them prepare for jobs in the technology sector.
- Empowering the Pearson Workforce: After successfully piloting Microsoft 365 Copilot, Pearson will extend its use across its global workforce. This initiative is part of Pearson’s broader strategy to integrate workplace AI tools that enhance efficiency, creativity, and productivity, ultimately improving operational performance.
Omar Abbosh, CEO of Pearson, commented, “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 with Pearson’s trusted enterprise skilling and learning services, we can provide learners with exactly what they need to advance in their careers and achieve their life goals. This new chapter with Microsoft is another step forward in our commitment to expanding AI in our products and focusing more sharply on the enterprise market. It underscores the tremendous opportunity for both Pearson and the individuals we serve.”
Judson Althoff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Microsoft, said, “The speed and scale of today’s AI innovations present a unique opportunity for organizations across industries to accelerate their AI transformation. As investments in AI increase, so does the need for training and support to ensure its responsible and effective use. We are excited to partner with Pearson to develop learning experiences that empower employees with the AI skills needed to drive their careers forward and achieve more.”
This partnership between Pearson and Microsoft marks a significant milestone in the evolution of workforce learning and development, poised to empower individuals and organizations in the AI era.
