The initiative has been successful: since its launch, nearly 630,000 people in Switzerland have gained new digital skills, and nearly 10,000 have completed at least one learning path. The top three learning paths include Artificial Intelligence fundamentals, creating PowerApps, and managing collaboration Teams.

According to a company statement, Microsoft and LinkedIn will offer 50,000 LinkedIn Learning scholarships in the second stage of the programme. By 2025, Microsoft will help train and certify 10 million people with skills for in-demand jobs globally. This confirms the commitment to supporting inclusive economic opportunity for equitable access to the skills, technology, and opportunity needed in a digitising economy.

The new courses and certificates will be offered in seven languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese.

In November 2022, Microsoft Switzerland and the CyberPeace Institute also launched the first Cyber School, an 8-week virtual programme for jobseekers, refugees, students, and women interested in a cybersecurity career. Another online programme will start in March 2023.

These digital skills upgrading initiatives are very important to support the acceleration of digital transformation, ensuring a country's competitiveness and innovative strength.

Catrin Hinkel, CEO of Microsoft Switzerland, said: “Digitization will continue to change the world around us. In light of the digital skills shortage in Switzerland, we must ensure everyone has access to digital skills. Through our Skills for Switzerland initiative, we have been able to help over half a million people with education and training. We will continue to invest in partnerships with organizations like Adecco, the CyberPeace Institute, and Swiss universities to equip everyone with the knowledge and capabilities needed to succeed in today’s workplace.”

You can find here an article on a similar initiative in France by La Poste Group, which launched its Data and AI School.