KPMG in Canada, in collaboration with Microsoft Canada, has announced the launch of a specialized training program for organizations adopting Copilot for Microsoft 365.
This initiative aims to help businesses maximize the benefits of this AI-powered companion integrated into Microsoft 365 applications.
The announcement was made during KPMG’s event, “The Daily Life of Tomorrow with Copilot,” held in Montreal on June 10, which gathered national and local practitioners in generative artificial intelligence.
Copilot for Microsoft 365 is designed to enhance productivity by accelerating content creation, managing communications, and automating routine tasks. Despite its potential, many organizations struggle to fully utilize the tool, missing out on opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage.
“For many organizations, this technology is a way to increase productivity and fill the labor gap. However, only a few manage to leverage it to its full potential and functionality, leading to missed opportunities for innovation, growth, and competitive advantage,” said Benoit Lacoste Bienvenue, Regional Managing Partner for the Québec region at KPMG in Canada.
Lacoste Bienvenue emphasized the importance of addressing the human aspects of technological change. “A significant proportion of technology transformation initiatives don’t succeed, largely because of the inability to effectively handle the human aspects of change, which is essential for successful technological transformation. Copilot enables a whole new way of working that involves technology and people. It’s a muscle that must be developed. This is where our training program comes in,” he added.
The training program features comprehensive, self-paced bilingual modules designed to coach professionals on effectively implementing Copilot for Microsoft 365. It includes foundational training applicable to various industries and user groups, aiming to build an AI culture within organizations.
“Building an AI culture within an organization, including training and allowing for experimentation, will help employees embrace AI in their everyday workflow,” said Michel Biron, Public Sector Director for Eastern Canada at Microsoft. “The time saved by using Copilot can be redirected towards higher-value tasks, helping to optimize productivity gains and improve job satisfaction.”
The training is offered online nationally in both English and French through the Operational Risk Skills Development Center. This center is a joint initiative by KPMG in Canada and Microsoft Canada, launched late last year. It provides hands-on training at no cost, helping professionals from businesses and governments navigate the opportunities and challenges of generative AI, implement it responsibly, and build cybersecurity protection.
The new Copilot for Microsoft 365 training builds on the existing curriculum of generative AI for C-suite and board members, and cybersecurity for small and medium-sized business leaders.