Snowflake Partners with FutureSkills Prime to Bridge AI Skills Gap in India
Collaboration Aims to Upskill One Lakh Professionals and Students
On Friday, Snowflake, a leader in cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) data solutions, unveiled a significant partnership with FutureSkills Prime, a pioneering digital skilling initiative backed by Nasscom and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). This joint effort is set to enhance data and AI skills across India.
Through this collaboration, Snowflake and Nasscom aim to enroll over 100,000 professional and student learners in Snowflake’s complimentary, on-demand, entry-level data and AI skills courses within the next two years.
The initiative is part of Snowflake’s global program, ‘One Million Minds + One Platform’, which focuses on facilitating access to AI upskilling opportunities worldwide.
India’s Leadership in AI Skills
Nasscom has highlighted India’s prominent position in the AI landscape, noting that the country ranks first in AI talent concentration and fifth in global AI scientific publications.
Despite this strong foundation, there exists a substantial skills gap in the market. Current estimates indicate that the discrepancy between demand and supply stands at approximately 51% and is projected to grow, with the demand for professionals in AI expected to exceed one million by 2026.
The Rising Demand for Skilled Professionals
According to a recent release, “As companies across industries increasingly rely on data to drive AI, innovation, and business growth, the need for skilled professionals in Data Engineering, Data Science, and AI/ML is on the rise.”
The demand for critical roles such as Data Analysts, Data Architects, and Data Administrators is set to escalate, reflecting the evolving requirements of the data landscape.
Addressing Skills Gaps Through High-Quality Training
This collaboration between Snowflake and Nasscom responds directly to critical skills gaps, providing access to high-quality training resources designed to equip data and AI professionals with the tools necessary for success in an ever-changing environment.
Integration with Academic Institutions
Joining forces with the FutureSkills Prime initiative enables Snowflake to tap into over 2,100 institutions within Nasscom’s extensive academic network. This partnership will facilitate the integration of Snowflake’s training courses into university curricula.
The courses will be available as either mandatory or optional programs, aligning with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Target Audience for the Courses
The training programs are geared towards undergraduate and postgraduate students (from their second year onward) aged 16 and above, as well as working professionals eager to advance their careers.
Comprehensive Training Delivery
Delivered through the FutureSkills Prime platform, these comprehensive courses create a structured pathway for learners aiming to develop expertise in high-demand technology fields.
Conclusion
This collaborative effort between Snowflake and FutureSkills Prime not only highlights the increasing importance of AI and data skills in today’s job market but also reflects a commitment to bridging the skills gap in India. As the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow, initiatives like this play a pivotal role in preparing the workforce for the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main goal of the collaboration between Snowflake and FutureSkills Prime?
The main goal is to enhance data and AI skills among professionals and students in India by enrolling over 100,000 learners in training courses over the next two years.
2. How does this initiative support India’s AI development?
The initiative aims to address the significant skills gap in the market, thereby increasing the availability of skilled professionals in critical AI roles.
3. Who will have access to Snowflake’s training courses?
The courses will be available to undergraduate and postgraduate students from their second year onward, as well as working professionals looking to improve their skills.
4. How will Snowflake’s training be integrated into education?
Snowflake’s courses will be integrated into the curricula of various universities as mandatory or optional programs, in accordance with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
5. What are the expected outcomes of the collaboration?
The collaboration aims to empower individuals with essential skills for high-demand roles, ultimately contributing to the growth of the AI and data sectors in India.
