As India carves its path in the global technology arena, equipping its workforce with AI skills is paramount. Four industry heavyweights—Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, HCLTech, and Wipro—are at the forefront of this educational endeavor, fueling the nation’s ambition to harness AI as a catalyst for socio-economic advancement in the digital era.
By the close of fiscal year 2024, TCS successfully reskilled over 300,000 employees in essential AI and machine learning competencies, including the burgeoning field of generative AI. Their “AI-ready” initiative has empowered more than 570,000 of TCS’s 600,000 employees to seamlessly integrate AI into their daily workflows. Talk about getting everyone on board!
Infosys isn’t far behind; the company targets total “AI-awareness” among its staff. With training programs reaching approximately 270,000 employees—about 84% of its workforce—Infosys developers have produced over 7 million lines of code using the AI-enhanced tool GitHub Copilot by the end of 2024, greatly boosting productivity and code quality.
As India rapidly advances in AI training, Vietnam is beginning to follow suit. However, it faces a different set of obstacles, primarily in the realm of mindset adjustment. Prajith Nair, Vice President and Head of Learning & Innovation at FPT Corporation, indicates that up to 70% of AI training hurdles are rooted in outdated mindsets and resistance to change. Many employees remain tethered to legacy systems, reluctant to embrace new technologies like AI.
Nair explains that to unlock the true potential of AI, individuals must cultivate strong critical thinking skills. Unlike traditional tools, he likens AI to a thought-provoking colleague that thrives on engagement and interaction. “AI deployment requires a change management strategy, not just technical training,” he asserts.
From a business standpoint, a staggering 65% of Asia-Pacific executives recognize that generative AI can boost performance. Yet, 76% are alarmed by the urgent need to reskill their teams, and 41% admit they have yet to start implementing generative AI, as revealed in PwC’s 27th Annual Global CEO Survey. Companies and workers neglecting AI training risk falling behind in a technology-driven world—after all, even the best of us can’t just sit back and relax!
FPT is gearing up for the future, prioritizing AI training to enhance productivity. By 2024, a remarkable 98.8% of its employees will have undergone foundational AI training, completing over 109,200 learning hours. The company’s “AI for Everyone” initiative mandates that every employee complete at least one AI course and apply AI tools in their daily tasks. Over 10,000 FPT employees secured certifications from NVIDIA’s AI program this year, part of a larger goal to empower 500,000 individuals with AI skills by 2030.
According to Nair, scaling AI training within a tight timeframe hinges on addressing four essential factors. First, it’s vital to elevate AI awareness among leadership to drive organizational change from the top down. Secondly, training programs should be modular and tailored to various roles, ensuring relevance for developers, testers, and business analysts alike.
The third pillar is utilizing data to assess training impact, tracking completion rates and real-world applications to measure effectiveness. Lastly, cultivating a community of learning is crucial—encouraging daily AI engagement through internal forums, workshops, and shared experiences nurtures a culture where AI becomes a regular part of work life.
What is the significance of training in AI for India?
Training in AI is crucial for India to remain competitive in the global technology landscape and leverage AI for socio-economic growth.
How many employees at TCS have become “AI-ready”?
Over 570,000 TCS employees are now considered “AI-ready,” highlighting the company’s commitment to integrating AI across its workforce.
What challenges does Vietnam face in AI adoption?
Vietnam’s primary challenge lies in overcoming outdated mindsets and resistance to new technologies, which hampers effective AI training across its workforce.
