Salesforce, the top AI-powered customer relationship management (CRM) provider, has announced plans to increase access to artificial intelligence (AI) training by offering free courses to everyone. The company will invest more than US$50 million in upskilling workers, providing premium AI courses and certifications for free through its online platform, Trailhead, until the end of 2025. This initiative aims to close the growing AI skills gap as more businesses begin adopting the technology.
Salesforce will also create new AI training spaces, starting with a pop-up AI Centre at its headquarters in San Francisco. These centres will provide hands-on training for communities and employees, with plans to expand to other major cities like Chicago, Tokyo, and Sydney.
Addressing the AI skills gap
Research by Slack indicates that executive interest in AI has increased sevenfold in the past six months, making it a top business priority, surpassing concerns like inflation and broader economic challenges. Despite this, many workers are still unfamiliar with AI technology. The research shows that more than two-thirds of employees have yet to use AI in their jobs, and only 15% feel they have the necessary skills to work with AI effectively.
“The advent of AI and agents represents the biggest technological shift of our generation, and will radically change how people work,” said Brian Millham, President and Chief Operating Officer at Salesforce. “We must ensure everyone is equipped with the skills they need to succeed in this new AI world.”
Expanding access to AI learning
Salesforce has already helped hundreds of thousands of professionals acquire technical skills through its premium instructor-led courses. With these new AI offerings, the company aims to reach an additional 100,000 learners. The free online courses on Trailhead now include AI-specific training in areas like AI fundamentals, ethical AI use, and AI prompting.
Since June 2023, employees, job seekers, and learners have earned over 2.6 million AI and data badges, boosting their skillsets in critical AI-related areas. Salesforce aims to help every “Trailblazer” transition into an “Agentblazer” by becoming proficient in AI.
Hands-on training for employees and communities
In addition to its online training, Salesforce is creating physical spaces dedicated to AI learning across its global offices. The first AI Centre opened in London earlier this year, and in 2025, Salesforce plans to launch a pop-up AI Centre at its San Francisco headquarters. These spaces will host in-person AI courses, bringing together industry experts, partners, and customers to advance AI knowledge and offer urgent upskilling opportunities.
Salesforce is also investing in training its 72,000 employees by introducing global quarterly AI learning days. These days allow employees to engage directly with AI tools like Agentforce. This AI agent suite will assist employees in various areas, including service, sales, marketing, and commerce, to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“As with other technological revolutions, AI will transform the way we work, creating new jobs and opportunities – it already has. It's our responsibility as employers to provide training opportunities to ensure the workforce has the skills needed to succeed in those roles,” said Nathalie Scardino, President and Chief People Officer at Salesforce.
Salesforce has already integrated over 100 AI-powered tools into its operations. Employees have earned nearly 40% of the 2.6 million AI and data badges available on Trailhead. Additionally, since the launch of Slack AI in February, Salesforce employees have saved nearly 3 million work hours by automating repetitive tasks and working more efficiently.
Salesforce's focus on AI training demonstrates its commitment to ensuring both employees and the wider workforce are prepared for the future of work as AI continues to reshape industries.
