The Missing Link launches Copilot training amid successful FY24

The Missing Link has launched an online training program for Microsoft 365 Copilot following a successful year of growth.

Developed by its AI and automation division, the training program covers generative AI basics, prompt engineering techniques, usage of Copilot in Microsoft 365 tools like Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel and integrating Copilot into daily tasks.

“Our Microsoft Copilot training program stands out because it’s both flexible and scalable,” The Missing Link head of automation Matt Dunn said. 

“Whether it’s for a single user or over 5,000 users, our training can be consumed as is or customised to meet specific business requirements. We ensure the content is contextualised with industry-specific examples and use cases relevant to our client’s needs, providing a truly tailored learning experience.” 

The Missing Link CEO Alex Gambotto said the idea for the Copilot training program came from listening to its customers and realising they needed more support to fully utilise these new technologies.

“While Copilot promises significant productivity gains, many end-users struggled to use it effectively. We initially tackled this with in-person training sessions, lunch and learns, and webinars. To truly meet the growing demand and scale this initiative, we needed a more accessible and cost-effective solution,” he said.

“The launch of our Copilot training program highlights our dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and meeting our clients’ evolving needs. By focusing on innovative solutions, we continue to provide exceptional value and service.” 

So far, the AI and automation division has trained over 10,000 end-users in responsible AI use and assisted more than 30 organisations in assessing readiness for Copilot adoption across various sectors, including financial services, legal, government, health, consulting, construction, and supply chain.

It has also implemented AI strategies and upskilled teams for more than a dozen clients and developed secure AI solutions for financial services and construction industries. The division has also created innovative AI applications, such as converting email conversations into order data for an aviation supplier, using generative AI.  

“The demand for our AI and automation division is high and the pipeline is growing quickly,” Gambotto said. 

“However, companies are finding they need to take important steps to get ready for Copilot. This means optimising their infrastructure and strengthening their security posture, which includes ensuring robust network architecture, secure data management practices, and compliance with industry standards.”

The success of the AI and automation division highlights The Missing Link’s broader strategy of sustained growth and innovation.

In its 27-year history, the business has grown consistently with FY24 marking the eighth consecutive year of growth as revenues neared a record $120 million across its security, infrastructure, and AI and automation divisions.

“Our clients and vendors are responding to our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and investing in our team,” Gambotto said. 

“I am incredibly proud of our team for achieving a record-breaking Q4 and a 27-year record month in June, resulting in remarkable overall growth. In FY24, we grew more than our total group revenue 10 years ago. Attracting and developing top talent remains a priority, to keep up with our insatiable demand.”

In FY25, Gambotto said it plans to build on its strengths and explore new opportunities to sustain growth. 

The Missing Link has a strong market presence in NSW and Victoria, Gambotto pointed out key growth areas will be Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and its UK office. 

“By expanding our reach and enhancing capabilities in these regions, we aim to continue driving growth and delivering exceptional value to our clients,” he said. 

“From a Copilot perspective, we also have plans to roll out additional training programs targeted at specific user-groups and industry verticals.”

Additionally, The Missing Link has nearly doubled its workforce in recent years, now eclipsing 200 professionals. 

Gambotto said it was focusing on several key skills to stay competitive and meet client demands.

“Advanced cyber security skills like threat hunting, incident response, and adversarial simulation are a primary focus to enhance our defensive and offensive security capabilities,” he said. 

“We’re also investing in AI and machine learning expertise to drive automation and enable us to control our unprecedented growth whilst adding several additional account executives to allow greater time to focus on clients and vendors.”