Artificial intelligence training:
what is at stake for France?
Perspectives from Carlo Purassanta, CEO of Microsoft France and Thomas Lesort, Executive VP, HR of LACROIX

Testimony

Carlo Purassanta
CEO of Microsoft France

Thomas Lesort
Executive VP, Human Resources of LACROIX

• Opening of an artificial intelligence school in Rennes

  

  C :

  In light of the current context, digital is at the heart of the economic recovery, and the need for new skills has never been greater. Organisations, regardless of their size or sector, need profiles with the digital skills to meet today’s challenges.  In order to support the digital acceleration at work in all sectors, we have also announced our goal of opening six new Microsoft by Simplon AI Schools by the end of the year, for a total of 23 throughout France, and our ambition to train 1,000 learners by 2022.

  

  T :

  From February onwards, we will welcome 2 work-study trainees who will contribute to our data analysis projects on the LACROIX’s fields of business. This partnership responds first of all to a need for competence, as well as our commitment and our social role in supporting motivated learners who are constructing a career and finding a professional path. It allows us to recruit the future AI talent and thereby benefit from skills that are in short supply on the job market, which is essential to meeting our strategic challenges.

• Training: A critical issue for artificial intelligence

  

  C :

  85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 do not yet exist as of today. And we know that digital technology, and artificial intelligence in particular, is profoundly changing the contours of these future professions. In the field of AI, the demand for skills, today, is critical. This situation presents a solid opportunity, especially for people looking for work or retraining.

  

  T :

  Data scientists and data architects, these new professions focused on new technologies, are in very high demand. Based on smart data, they identify interesting information susceptible to automation and calculation. This makes everyone’s work easier on a daily basis and can be applied to all professions: ours and those of our customers! Through this AI school project, different profiles emerge in comparison with the typical curricula. The young people benefit from excellent training and personalised support. They are passionate about the subject of AI but do not receive the classical education curriculum, which allows them to approach technology through a different prism.