Snowflake invests USD $20 million in data cloud training

Snowflake has launched the "One Million Minds + One Platform" global program, aiming to train and certify one million students and professionals by 2029 in the use of its AI Data Cloud.

The initiative is underpinned by a USD $20 million investment and is focused on high-growth and emerging markets internationally.

It offers training and certification courses to students and workers, with a goal of certifying over 100,000 users by 2027 at no cost.

Snowflake's CEO, Sridhar Ramaswamy, stated, "To succeed in this digital age, every employee must be equipped with the skills that enable them to contribute in a data and AI-centric world.

This requires that AI must not only be accessible for users at every skill level, but that users also have knowledge of how these applications work across the data lifecycle, as well as how to best engage with them.

Through our investment, Snowflake is giving academic institutions and workers in regions around the world the tools and training to build successful careers as the technologists and founders of tomorrow."

The program is a response to findings such as a 2024 Gallup poll that revealed 22 percent of workers fear job obsolescence due to technological advances like generative AI. Moreover, 72 percent of Fortune 500 Chief Human Resources Officers expect AI to replace some roles in the near future. The program seeks to equip individuals with the skills required to navigate and thrive in a rapidly changing job landscape.

One Million Minds + One Platform comprises two main components: Snowflake for Academia and Snowflake Training for High Growth and Emerging Markets.

Snowflake for Academia is designed to provide students with free access to Snowflake software, training materials, and industry-relevant data curriculum.

Educators gain enablement courses to certify them to teach the Snowflake platform, along with classroom-ready curriculum materials. Nate Crawford from the University of St. Thomas highlighted the value of the initiative: "The role of academia is to expose students to the various kinds of people, tools, and technologies they'll encounter in the real world. Through the no-cost Snowflake for Academia program curriculum, as well as the free Snowflake credits, we've been able to deliver a robust course that provides essential skills to those soon to enter what is a rapidly changing work landscape."

"Exposure to these technologies at this stage plants the seed for future leaders and supports the development of the skillsets employers are looking for in candidates."

Snowflake intends to increase educational engagement by doubling the number of educators and institutions participating by the following year.

Meanwhile, Snowflake Training for High Growth and Emerging Markets offers new platform training for users with limited previous experience.

The focus regions include ASEAN, Canada, Germany, India, Korea, LATAM, and Saudi Arabia. This training involves a free, live, introductory course facilitated by Snowflake-certified instructors. Post-training, participants can qualify for the SnowPro Platform Associate Certification starting February 2025.

The One Million Minds + One Platform initiative is part of a broader effort by Snowflake to drive data education and upskilling. It aligns with existing educational offerings provided by Snowflake University, which include various courses for data professionals to enhance their proficiency and progress in data-driven projects.