The AI Skills Initiative is designed to support the local workforce facing a rapidly changing digital economy. It will target everyone from those building AI systems to those applying AI in everyday roles. Supports the initiative. Microsoft’s commitment Training 300,000 Australians with digital skills within two years – a target the firm says will be met by early 2025.
How will the AI Skills Initiative help Australians, New Zealanders?
The initiative will provide free access to tools, including an AI Skills Navigator, an AI-powered agent that will help learners find appropriate skill pathways for their circumstances. Learning resources will also be available through Microsoft Learn, LinkedIn, GitHub, and Viva Learning.
Microsoft plans to tailor AI content specifically for sectors such as public services, education, and non-profit organizations so that training is relevant and actionable in work contexts.
See: Australia’s new migration strategy to deliver skills for the tech sector
Why does Microsoft focus on upscaling?
Microsoft’s upskilling push is partly to ensure that a broad base of people — including marginalized communities — can learn AI. For example, Microsoft said the new program aims to provide tailored training for people from diverse backgrounds, including women, people with disabilities, regional communities and First Nations people.
The high-skills initiative will also support Microsoft’s own AI ambitions in the region, with acquisition of AI products dependent on having the knowledge and skills to apply them to their jobs. Previously, AI expertise has been identified as a significant gap in the Australian market, with many employees saying their organizations talk about the tools. But don’t invest in the people using them..
Kate Behnken, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of Microsoft Philanthropies, said the commitment will ensure the workforce is competent as AI “transforms the way we work, learn and connect.”
“We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to unlock the power of AI,” he said.
Microsoft intends to contribute to achieving its training goal.
Microsoft has provided few details about its plans to work with various partners to achieve its high-skills goals. These collaborators will come from the government, business, education and non-profit sectors.
- Microsoft said it will expand AI training programs across industries by partnering with organizations such as tech consultancy and trainer Akkodis, which has trained more than 10,000 people in AI skills, and the Institute of Applied Technology – Digital (IATD).
- The tech giant is looking to partner with regional business groups in Australia, such as Business NSW and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to expand AI knowledge and expertise to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Assisting in training.
See: Australian SMEs at risk of being left behind on AI
- Microsoft’s support for the public sector will include launching an AI Academy program for government agencies and partnering with the Victorian Government to introduce strategic AI and cybersecurity initiatives to increase digital literacy.
Microsoft will provide AI training to young learners.
The company is also working with schools, professional bodies and universities to integrate AI learning into the curriculum to equip future generations with the skills needed to support an AI-driven economy.
For example, the global tech firm’s AI Amplified program aims to help 175,000 students develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce. Through partnerships with organizations such as KPMG and Year13, the initiative will reach more than 50,000 young people next year.
AI skills can help local workers take new jobs.
The Tech Council of Australia has previously predicted this. AI could create 200,000 new jobs by 2030roles such as software development, data center operations, and data management, as well as roles that support the scaling, governing, and management of AI systems.
Many future roles will involve the use of AI. Three out of four business leaders in Australia already consider AI skills essential for job candidates, According to Microsoft’s Work Trends Index released in 2024. This was higher than the global average of 66 percent.
Steven Worrall, Microsoft’s regional managing director, said that given the far-reaching impact of AI, more people should be able to access and benefit from the technology.
“It will require tools, infrastructure and training, so we are working hard on all those fronts,” he said.