IBM launches new AI training platform to fuel workforce transformation

IBM has launched a new business unit which aims to use artificial intelligence (AI) to help human resources close the widening skills gap.

Named IBM Talent & Transformation, the business offers robust AI skills training to help technical and business professionals in areas such marketing, HR, legal, finance and operations to adopt the technology. 

Teaching topics surrounding deep learning and machine learning frameworks, applying algorithms, open source technologies and data visualisation, IBM says that the unit will ensure that “businesses make decisions less on "gut" intuition and more on data-driven analytics.”

The company will apply selected IBM Watson Talent products such as Watson Recruitment, Watson Candidate Assistant and Watson Career Coach.

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"Making data-driven decision insights, creating new products and services, and penetrating new markets require more than a skills revolution," said Mark Foster, senior vice president, IBM Global Business Services.

"IBM believes that building a workforce to compete in the era of AI is as much about culture and specialized expertise as it is about technology.”

More than 80% of employees in the UK believe that AI skills will be a source of competitive advantage, according to a recent study by Harris Insights, in collaboration with IBM.

Yet, the same report added that more than half (60%) of employees are not confident their employees can use the technology to their advantage with around (53%) saying that the company culture is a benefit to AI adoption.

To source the right talent and help current employees advance their careers, IBM Talent & Transformation works with organizations like Citizens Financial Group Inc and EY to apply IBM Watson Talent products. Developed by experts in behavioral science, AI, and industrial-organizational psychology, the following solutions leverage analytics and the predictive power of AI

To promote a cultural change, IBM is also introducing IBM Garage, which the firm says will help business change “how they work, where they work and what principles they use to guide their work.”

“As organizations grapple with the dual demands of undertaking digital transformation and reinventing their businesses and processes through the application of new technologies such as AI, automation and blockchain, the biggest barrier to progress will lie in accessing the right talent and skills," added Foster.

"IBM believes that building a workforce to compete in the era of AI is as much about culture and specialized expertise as it is about technology."