Companies and employees are increasingly aware that digital skills are paramount to remaining relevant and employable in the 21st century. Advancements in technology like cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming economies and reshaping workplaces at an unprecedented rate.
In fact, AI has the potential to create high-value jobs in fast growing industries, and is expected to create 2.3 million jobs by 2020. By the same token, however, automation is drastically impacting existing jobs. In the Middle East alone, 45 percent of existing work could potentially be automated by 2030.
While digital skills must be prioritised in schools to equip tomorrow’s workers, it’s important not to overlook the evolving needs of the current workforce as technological advances impact their roles. It’s imperative that today’s workers are provided with nimble and continued learning opportunities that match, or beat, the pace of change driven by new technologies.
Your future in your hands
As a technology company, Microsoft recognises its responsibility to help ensure all workers have a path to gain relevant skills – no matter where they are in their careers. That’s why we – in partnership with non-profit organisations, government bodies, learning institutions and other entities – are empowering those already in the workforce with the capabilities needed to ensure financial stability, economic prosperity and opportunities for personal growth.
The Microsoft Cloud Society is one such programme created to empower every person to achieve more in their careers. The programme offers training and certification opportunities to people of any age working in the technology sector to help them be cloud-ready and advance their careers.
Members, or “heroes,” of the Cloud Society can choose from a variety of free online learning courses and virtual workshops to train on Microsoft technologies at their own pace, in their own time. Microsoft Cloud Society Certificates are also awarded upon completion of each course, to boost career prospects.
Equipping for the future and succeeding today
In the Middle East and Africa region alone, the Cloud Society currently has over 106,000 users. Participating IT professionals credit the Cloud Society for not only helping them gain knowledge to prepare for the future of work, but also helping improve performance within their current roles.
Kevin Alves is an IT Manager in Angola who was working with Dubai-based bank, but was initially unsure how to approach the project. Through enrolment in free Cloud Society courses, he was able to find and develop the skills he needed to build the foundation of the project and continue to see it through to success. Learn more about his journey in the video below.
Digitising together
As Cloud Society participants such as Kevin learn new skills and capabilities, the Cloud Society equips them to help scale these learnings past the individual by being part of a network of learners. With the unprecedented rate of digital transformation, fostering an exchange of skills and best practice is paramount to keeping the MEA region competitive against developed nations.
In fact, Johnstone Lowoton of Kenya identified the “community” aspect of Microsoft’s Cloud Society as among the top benefits of becoming a member. Learn more about the impact of being part of a learning network on Johnstone’s experience:
Strive to achieve more, always
No matter the specialisation, the Microsoft Cloud Society offers learning resources to propel careers into the digital era. Become a cloud computing expert with an array of free courses in multiple areas such as:
- Cloud platform, where you can understand how to build, migrate and manage cloud infrastructure.
- App development, for developers looking to build or enhance their app development skills in web, mobile, on-premises or cloud environments.
- Data, where you can upgrade your data skills to advanced analytics and visualisation capabilities.
- Artificial intelligence, which gives you the chance to become an AI Master and shape the face of the future.
- Dev Ops, where you can learn how to build codes for new products, features and product enhancements.
- Security, where you can specialise in combatting security threats and breaches in the cloud.
- Business apps, which allows you to study the essentials of Microsoft Dynamics to strengthen customer engagement and respond to their needs.
- Modern workplace, where you can discover how to create a modern, responsive workplace to bring out the best in your teams.
The Microsoft Cloud Society is designed to equip technology professionals with everything they need to succeed in the face of digital transformation. Boost your career with industry-recognised Microsoft certification, all while learning at your own pace in a style that works for you.
To hear more testimonials from Cloud Society participants, click here
