Closing the AI Skill Gap: How Industry Leaders are Engaging with Students

The technology industry is rapidly enhancing its campus engagement efforts to tackle the skill gap in artificial intelligence (AI) and prepare a future-ready workforce. Major companies, including Microsoft, Accenture, Ericsson, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra, are implementing mentorship programs, workshops, research initiatives, masterclasses, and hackathons in partnership with engineering colleges to equip students with essential skills before they graduate.

Growing Demand for AI Talent in India

According to a report from Deloitte and Nasscom, the demand for AI talent in India is expected to double from 600,000–650,000 to more than 1.25 million between 2022 and 2027. Alarmingly, the supply of skilled professionals may not suffice to meet the growing demands of the AI market.

Microsoft’s Initiatives: A Model for Engagement

In May, Microsoft launched the Software Engineering for All (SEFA) initiative, aimed at mentoring individuals from diverse backgrounds with a particular focus on university students. Over 1,000 students from 13 colleges participated in workshops hosted by Microsoft mentors, covering a variety of engineering topics over two days.

Internships and Future Plans

“More than 30 participants were also shortlisted for internships with us after the programme. We are planning to run this programme on a larger scale next year,” stated Manju Dhasmana, Senior Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Microsoft India.

Wipro’s Collaborative Approach

Wipro has formed partnerships with institutions like IIT-Delhi, IIT-Patna, and IISc-Bangalore, as well as international universities such as the Universities of Maryland and South Carolina. These collaborations focus on advancing research and development and nurturing the next generation of AI talent.

Empowering Students through Digital Courses

“We have partnered with Nasscom’s Future Skills programme to enable digital courses on emerging technologies like AI. This initiative has trained over 50,000 students and certified 25,000 through skill-based programs,” said Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro.

Accenture’s Hands-On Learning Experiences

Accenture is actively engaging with technology and business schools by hosting master classes, guest lectures, and hackathons. Company leaders and subject matter experts offer insights into real-world applications of data and AI, as well as emerging trends.

Internship Opportunities for Students

“We’re offering 16-20 week-long internships for final year students and eight-week long summer internships for third-year engineering undergraduates, providing essential project experience in emerging technologies like AI,” highlighted Mukesh Chaudhary, lead of data and AI at Accenture’s Advanced Technology Centers in India.

Strengthening Employability through Employee Involvement

Companies are also mobilizing their employees to bolster student employability in the AI sector. At Ericsson, employees serve as mentors and industry experts through the company’s academia program, collaborating with over 40 universities across Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India.

Real-World Applications of Learning

“This programme, launched last month, provides pre-final year students with hands-on learning that combines theoretical knowledge with practical real-world applications,” explained Priyanka Anand, Head of HR for Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India.

Prioritizing Diversity in AI

Diversity remains a key focus. Tech Mahindra’s ‘Winternships’ initiative aims to open doors for young women from diverse backgrounds through targeted sub-programmes like ‘Technorise’ and ‘Rising Scholars’, providing hands-on experience and mentorship on AI projects.

Encouraging Women in Technology

Earlier this year, Accenture organized a day-long virtual convention for female students and professionals, facilitating discussions with company leaders and industry experts about building successful careers in data and AI and emphasizing the importance of diversity in the sector.

Inclusive Skills Development Initiatives

Additionally, Microsoft’s TechSaksham programme is designed to impart hands-on skills in the company’s technologies to students, including those from non-computer backgrounds. This initiative has directly benefited around 2,500 young female students across 43 government-aided institutions in states such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Conclusion

The collective efforts of these technology giants reflect a significant commitment to not only closing the AI skill gap but also promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry. As these initiatives continue to flourish, they pave the way for a new generation of skilled professionals ready to contribute to the booming field of artificial intelligence.