February 2025 Tech Upload
| The NEW Digital Alliance would like to thank Jewelers Mutual, Microsoft, and SECURA Insurance for their support as Executive Level investors! |  |
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NEW Digital News
Last chance to apply for Investor Only Mentorship Program
Become a Mentor or a Mentee
Applications are still open for our Spring 2025 Investor Mentorship Program but we will be closing soon. If you are looking to unlock your potential for professional excellence and growth as a mentor or a mentee, as an investor only program, we invite you to be part of our upcoming cohort for NEW Digital Alliance investors starting in March.
Spring Cohort
2nd week of March – Kick Off
2nd week of July – End of Program Celebration
A good mentor or mentee is someone who is eager to grow their desired skillsets through a guided relationship, gain outside perspective from local IT Talent, build relationships with likeminded professionals, and expand their network. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative experience. Apply now and take the next step towards your professional development journey!
Visit our website to learn more about the program, details of the upcoming program, what it takes to be a good mentor or mentee and to apply for this year’s cohort!
Labor Market Insights: January 2025
By Matt Duffy, Carex Consulting
2024 is in the rearview mirror. In terms of the labor market, I’d venture to guess a large percentage of people reading this are happy to turn the page. The 2024 labor market felt rough. But was it? A few months ago, I had a glass of Glenfiddich 30-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey. It was great. Since then, every other whiskey has tasted second rate. Were they bad, or was my recent experience with something amazing ruining it? It begs the question, was 2024 as rough as it felt, or was the highwater mark of 2022 (by all accounts, one of the strongest labor markets on record) skewing our expectations and reality?
Updates from Heartland Business Systems
Unlocking Microsoft Efficiency: Tips & Tricks Webinar
Last December, HBS hosted an incredibly informative Microsoft Tips & Tricks webinar. This session was jam-packed with valuable end-user productivity tips, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to enhance their Microsoft skills. Whether you’re a seasoned user or just getting started, this webinar offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to boost your efficiency and productivity with these expert insights from HBS. Watch the recorded webinar here.
Join Us at the M365 Conference in Las Vegas
Mark your calendars for the M365 Conference in Las Vegas, NV, from May 6-8. HBS will be there with an Exhibitor Booth, ready to welcome all NEWDA members. Our booth will serve as a central meeting and networking location, providing a perfect spot for you to connect with fellow members and industry professionals. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing more about our latest innovations and solutions.
Microsoft Accelerates AI for Wisconsin Educators
Microsoft is dedicated to advancing AI education for all Wisconsin educators! Recently, over 120 educators from across the state participated in the Microsoft AI for Educator Bootcamps, hosted by the Wisconsin Technical College System and Universities of Wisconsin. These educators are now equipped to impact over 3,000 students each school year.
The bootcamps introduced educators to the Microsoft Learn for Educators Program, which offers a comprehensive AI curriculum, a supportive community of practice, and ongoing support—all for free. This initiative aims to empower educators with the tools and knowledge they need to integrate AI into their teaching, ultimately benefiting students and preparing them for the future.
Join the Microsoft Learn for Educators Program today and be part of this exciting journey towards AI education excellence!
What are the Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) AI Bootcamps?
The Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) AI Bootcamps provide academic institutions with the knowledge and skills to include AI-related education in their courses and programs of study. MSLE is committed to empowering every faculty member with the resources and tools needed to equip students with cutting-edge technical skills. These in-demand skills, from cloud computing to AI and beyond, are aligned to industry-recognized Microsoft Credentials and will set graduates up for real-world success.
The bootcamps train educators and faculty on how to best deliver courses to enhance or develop an AI training program to empower students with the skills needed to succeed in an AI-driven job market.
Eligibility criteria
Educators that meet either of the following criteria may sign-up to join MSLE:
- Educators and faculty members at higher education institutions that offer accredited degree, diploma, certificate, or continuing or further education programs, such as colleges, universities, community colleges, polytechnics
- Educators at secondary schools with STEM focused curriculum
Microsoft TechSpark Fellows Update
Empowering Communities with AI: Insights from the TechSpark Fellows
The Microsoft TechSpark initiative continues to make significant strides in empowering communities through technology and education. The latest updates highlight several key programs and events designed to foster digital skills and inclusion.
AI in Motion: Empowering Every Organization and Community Mark your calendars for February 20 and April 24 as Microsoft hosts the “AI in Motion” events, focusing on empowering organizations and communities with AI. These events are a must-attend for anyone looking to harness the power of AI in their work.
AI Skills Passport Developed by EY in collaboration with Microsoft, the AI Skills Passport offers free, online learning to help the next generation harness AI’s potential. This initiative is part of a broader effort to democratize AI skills and bridge the global skills gap.
AI Skills for Educators This program integrates AI and technical skills into educational curriculums, preparing students for future job markets. Resources include Microsoft Learn for Educators, AI Educator Toolkit, AI Guidance for Schools Toolkit, and the Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert Program (MIEE).
AI Skills Coalition – AI for Good Spearheaded by the AI for Good Impact Initiative, the AI Skills Coalition aims to democratize AI skills and knowledge, fostering inclusive growth and bridging the global skills gap.
Stay Connected with Microsoft Stay informed about the latest advancements and educational resources in AI, and get insights into Microsoft’s stance on various social and technological issues. Discover initiatives aimed at fostering local economic opportunities through technology and the latest updates and features in Microsoft 365 that can benefit your nonprofit organization.
Michelle’s Challenge: Write Your Own LinkedIn Article with Copilot Michelle has issued a challenge to all TechSpark Fellows: leverage Copilot to write your own LinkedIn article about your AI learning journey. Share the resources that are helping you and the impact the fellowship is having on you. Publish it and share the link with the community.
Other IT News
Breakthrough's Award-Winning Innovations Propel Sustainable Freight Solutions to New Heights
Breakthrough, a Green Bay-based company, is a strategic transportation technology provider that empowers shippers with data, technology, and market knowledge to reduce costs, create efficient networks, and decarbonize transportation. Leveraging advanced analytics and a robust dataset encompassing more than $32 billion in annual transportation spend, Breakthrough enables shippers to create efficient transportation networks and drive meaningful change in the industry.
Breakthrough has once again solidified its position as a leader in transportation innovation by recently earning two prestigious awards in recognition of its sustainable fuel and freight solutions. These accolades highlight Breakthrough’s commitment to transforming supply chain operations and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry.
For the third consecutive year, Breakthrough was named a “Top Software and Technology Provider” by Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. This award celebrates the most forward-thinking solutions in the supply chain. Breakthrough’s Transportation RFP Service was recognized for its outstanding ability to streamline procurement events, optimize networks with a focus on sustainability, and empower shippers with actionable insights throughout the year.
Additionally, Breakthrough was selected as part of the 2025 FreightTech 100 by FreightWaves, acknowledging the company as one of the most innovative organizations in the freight technology space. This inclusion spotlights Breakthrough’s commitment to challenge legacy ways of thinking and seek new opportunities to drive disruption in the transportation industry.
Breakthrough is committed to developing cutting-edge technology that empower shippers the data and tools to achieve long-term success in an increasingly complex and dynamic supply chain landscape.
Engaging Next Generation of IT Professionals: Connecting Students to Career-Based Learning Opportunities
The Information Technology (IT) industry is rapidly evolving, making it essential to work together to prepare the next generation of IT talent through meaningful career-based learning experiences. These experiences include career conversations, company tours, classroom speakers, youth apprenticeship programs, and other impactful events designed to inspire students and showcase the diverse opportunities within IT.
One way to strengthen these connections is by partnering with Inspire Wisconsin, a platform dedicated to providing students with meaningful career-based learning experiences. Inspire Wisconsin connects employers with schools to cultivate talent through career mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and workforce development initiatives. For IT businesses, this partnership is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in developing the future workforce while demonstrating the exciting possibilities available in the tech industry.
How IT Employers Can Engage
- Host Career Conversations: Share your journey and insights with students through virtual or in-person career talks. Real-life stories inspire curiosity and help students envision their own pathways in IT.
- Offer Company Tours: Provide a behind-the-scenes look at your operations, showcasing the cutting-edge technology and teamwork required in the IT field.
- Participate in Youth Apprenticeship Programs: Work directly with schools to create hands-on learning opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience in IT roles.
- Engage in Classroom Speaking Opportunities: Send professionals to local classrooms to discuss their careers, skills required, and the importance of soft skills like communication and problem-solving.
Only a handful of generative AI projects make it into production – here’s why
ITpro.
Data is one of the main obstacles, though organizations face a range of issues when adopting AI. A recent study by Informatica reveals that only 38% of generative AI projects have successfully transitioned from pilot to production stages. Key obstacles identified include data quality issues, with 43% of firms citing inadequate data readiness, and a lack of technical maturity. Additionally, 41% of organizations have slowed, paused, or halted their AI initiatives in the past year due to these challenges. Concerns over cybersecurity, data privacy, and the reliability of AI outputs further complicate the deployment process. Emilio Valdes, Senior Vice President at Informatica, emphasizes the importance of robust data foundations, stating that without accurate, integrated, and well-governed data, businesses cannot fully realize the potential of generative AI.
New Year’s resolutions for tech in 2025
McKinsey’s technology leaders offer their insights on how leaders can make the most of tech this year.
In their recent article, “New Year’s Resolutions for Tech in 2025,” McKinsey’s technology leaders reflect on the challenges of 2024, including AI-related regulatory concerns, significant system outages, and tempered tech investments due to economic pressures. Looking ahead, they anticipate continued uncertainty but also foresee substantial changes driven by geopolitical shifts and accelerated AI investments. The article offers insights on key priorities for tech leaders, such as enhancing tech resiliency, conducting honest assessments of generative AI, and improving tech productivity.