Microsoft leads the charge on lifelong learning and skill development

5 Apr

Microsoft embraces lifelong learning as a core value, nurturing a strong culture of skill development both internally and externally.

Microsoft’s “learn it all” culture, a phrase coined by CEO Satya Nadella, places learning at the heart of every role because skills are constantly evolving.

With over 220,000 employees, 33 unique “professions” and 220 disciplines, the skills needs of Microsoft are diverse.

Hiring for skills and mindset

“Given the rapid pace of technological advancements and the general skills shortage, we’re hiring for skills that will put us in the best position to adapt to new opportunities,” says Jonathan Stevenson, Employee Skilling Lead, Australia & New Zealand, Microsoft.

“We look for individuals with a learning and growth mindset, cross functional leadership skills and AI skills. Of course, we have an extremely large engineering function so technical skills are always in demand too,” says Jonathan.

Diverse pathways

Like many businesses, Microsoft is facing talent shortages for high growth technology-related roles such as Data Scientists and Analysts, Critical Environment Technicans and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Specialists, among others.

“We know that as a country we aren’t graduating enough students to fill these critical roles, so we are undertaking various initiatives to support alternative pathways,” says Jonathan.

For example, to help address the critical shortage of Functional Consultants, Microsoft co-created the Graduate Certificate in Business Consulting and Technology Implementation (Online) in collaboration with UTS, EY, Capgemini, and Avanade.

“Together, we carefully constructed a curriculum that would meet the needs of industry in closing this gap. The program is now up and running and graduates have an opportunity to interview for open roles,” says Jonathan.

Microsoft also co-established Australia’s first Datacentre Academy in partnership with TAFE NSW, which will pathway students from existing programs into specialised curriculum to prepare students for data centre roles.

Upskilling employees

Microsoft anticipates that the skills needed today are the skills for tomorrow, but likely at an even greater intensity.

“One of our best cultural innovations to accommodate the need for continuous skilling is a dedicated monthly ‘Learning Day’ for all employees. Providing the space and time to learn is equally as important as providing the learning opportunity itself.

“Like every other organisation, we need to develop our own AI skills to enhance productivity while ensuring responsible use, securing the safety of our systems, and using data in smart ways that deliver value for our own business and to our partners and customers,” adds Jonathan.

CLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

The team at Microsoft is passionate about building tech careers that are accessible for all Australians.

“Our top priority is to work collaboratively with government, industry, peak bodies, and education partners to close our significant digital skills gaps which left unaddressed will ultimately lead to further inequity and stunt the growth of our economy,” says Jonathan.

Strategies include attracting more young people to the tech industry, developing virtual internships, upskilling educators and helping underserved communities access free digital skills through initiatives like the Digital Skills Resource Hub.

“Closing the digital skills gap cannot be achieved in isolation and Microsoft is fully committed to contributing to a long-term solution that leverages our partnerships,” says Jonathan.