Accenture has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI)-native learning platform, Accenture LearnVantage, to provide clients with comprehensive technology learning and training services, enabling them to reskill and upskill employees in technology, data, and AI.
Over three years, Accenture will invest $1 billion in LearnVantage and will acquire edtech company Udacity to build on its existing experience in learning and training. This move aims to meet the rising demand for technology skills, including generative AI.
Accenture Enhances Learning with Udacity Acquisition
Using an AI recommendation engine, the LearnVantage platform selects the “best learning content” from Accenture and third-party providers, tailoring a personalized learning journey that matches priority learning areas.
The Udacity acquisition will equip Accenture with capabilities to integrate proprietary content, expert services, and scalable learning technology in line with Accenture’s learning approach. Udacity offers localized courses in English, Arabic, Korean, and Spanish. Over 230 Udacity professionals will join the Accenture LearnVantage business. Accenture LearnVantage’s complete suite of services will roll out later this year after finalizing the acquisition.
Accenture LearnVantage
After finalising the acquisition, Accenture LearnVantage will offer its full set of services later this year.
The platform will collaborate with tech partners like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft to provide generative AI content, industry-specific technology training, and cloud certifications for joint clients. It will also partner with other learning platforms like Pluralsight, Coursera, Workera, and Skillsoft.
Kishore Durg, Accenture LearnVantage’s global lead, noted, “The rise of generative AI has increased our clients’ need to train and upskill their people in cloud, data, and AI, essential for digital reinvention.”
The platform helps leaders across industries quickly identify skill gaps due to tech advancements and offers tailored industry-specific training to fill those gaps.
Julie Sweet on Accenture’s Mission
Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture, emphasizes their commitment to assisting clients in becoming ‘talent creators,’ with a focus on people using technology, data, and AI for reinvention. She highlights the importance of investing in industry-specific training and technology skills development.
“We’re expanding Accenture’s expertise as a top-notch learning organization to support our clients in achieving their business goals. This helps their people acquire the necessary skills to capitalize on the opportunities presented by technological advancements.”
Accenture Addresses Workforce Upskilling Challenges
Accenture research reveals that the primary challenge for business leaders is the inability to upskill their workforces, with 51% of organizations experiencing negative impacts from IT skills shortages. Additionally, 94% of workers express a desire to learn new skills for working with generative AI, yet only 5% of organizations offer gen AI training at scale.
Accenture invests over $1 billion annually in learning and training initiatives for its 700,000+ employees, delivering approximately 40 million training hours each year. For instance, training efforts help Accenture in doubling its Data and AI practice professionals to 80,000, with plans to train 250,000 technology professionals by fiscal 2024 end. Already, Accenture has trained over 600,000 of its employees in AI fundamentals.
Also Read: Google Delisting Move Sparks Concern, Startups Seek CCI Intervention
Tata Motors Demerger to Split CV, PV Businesses into Separate Listed Companies
Google Calls Gemini Unreliable, Apologises for its Results on PM Modi
