On 28 February and 1 March, UNESCO and Microsoft jointly organized digital training for vocational educators. The training targeted vocational educators in upper secondary and higher education institutions of business, technology, engineering, computer science and AI.

Participants were able to deep dive into the fundamental principles of machine learning and artificial intelligence as well as to explore the fundamentals of security, compliance and identity. The sessions were delivered in French and English by certified Microsoft experts and equipped trainees with knowledge of Microsoft cloud services: AI-900 and SC-900. More than 1000 registered participants had the opportunity to complete the online training either via the live session or the recording. In addition, all registered participants were given access to practice tests and exam vouchers on the Microsoft Learn platform to gain industry-recognized certifications.

The training courses were provided within the framework of UNESCO’s Global Skills Academy (GSA). Under the umbrella of the Global Education Coalition, the mission of the GSA is to support ten million youth and adults to develop key digital and 21st century skills to increase their employability and help them thrive in digitized economies and labour markets. As of March 2022, 17 partners from the Global Education Coalition have joined the mission and more than 540,000 people have benefited from skilling and reskilling programmes offered by Global Skills Academy partners.

Recent developments have shown that TVET teachers and trainers need not only training on how to apply digital tools and services to improve students' acquisition of knowledge and skills, but also time to integrate digital tools and technologies into their teaching and learning practices. In addition, they require technical assistance to quickly overcome issues when they arise.

To support this process, the Microsoft vocational training days were the latest in a series of digital training opportunities offered to UNEVOC Centres through the GSA. By leveraging partnerships with the global UNEVOC Network of more than 220 TVET institutions in over 140 countries, the GSA implements a demand-driven approach to training that covers a wide range of technical, digital and task-oriented skills.

For more information on the Global Skills Academy, visit here.