New Microsoft partnership prepares union workers for high-paying roles in the AI economy

Microsoft Corporation and North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) are expanding their partnership to include additional initiatives to provide skilled trades workers with the tools to succeed in an AI-powered economy.

Microsoft and NABTU recently announced the launch of free artificial intelligence literacy courses and industry-recognized credentials to make AI skills more accessible through union apprenticeship systems and Microsoft’s online LinkedIn Learning platform.

“The people building the physical infrastructure of the AI economy like electricians, ironworkers and pipefitters, deserve a share in its opportunity,” said Brad Smith, vice chair and president of Microsoft, in a release. “That’s why we’re expanding our work with NABTU, bringing free AI training to millions of skilled craft professional across North America, while preserving the hands-on expertise that defines their craft.”

Microsoft said its partnership with NABTU centers on incorporating AI training into NABTU’s Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) model, providing hands-on learning through the organization’s training centers across all 50 states and Canada. Microsoft and NABTU are working with JATC faculty, instructors and training directors “to co-design curriculum and tailor AI use cases that reflect the needs of the skilled trades.”

Virtual courses in AI fluency will also offered on LinkedIn Learning for instructors, leaders, apprentices and skilled trades professionals across North America. Participants will receive AI literacy credentials upon completing the courses.

NABTU President Sean McGarvey recently mentioned the partnership with Microsoft at NABTU’s annual Legislative Conference.

“NABTU’s training model has always been about scale, quality and lifelong opportunity,” said McGarvey. “Through this expanded collaboration with Microsoft, we are making AI training available to instructors, apprentices and journey-level workers across our system. This work helps keep the building trades at the forefront of innovation while advancing our mission to deliver family-sustaining careers and help shape how new technology expands opportunity for every worker.”

The AI literacy initiative builds on NABTU and Microsoft’s existing partnership, which has trained 1,500 instructors in hands-on training centers across the U.S.

The partnership also involves TradesFutures, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which operates the TradesFutures Apprenticeship Readiness Program in 34 states. Enrolling more than 7,700 people annually, the program partners with communities to recruit, train and place participants in union construction apprenticeships and careers, according to the release.