Microsoft has announced an AI Skills Initiative to equip one million people in Australia and New Zealand with essential AI knowledge by 2026. The program aims to empower people with the skills to thrive in an AI-driven economy, spanning roles from AI system development to everyday workplace applications. Microsoft will work closely with government, business, education and not-for-profit partners to ensure the training is relevant and to help meet the target.
Microsoft will provide free resources through its platforms. These include resources such as the new AI Skills Navigator, Microsoft Learn, Viva Learning, LinkedIn, and GitHub. It will also offer sector-specific training for public, education, and not-for-profit organisations.
Microsoft says the initiative builds on its October 2023 commitment to train 300,000 Australians in digital skills within two years i.e., by 2025, with a particular focus on women, those in regional locations, people with disability and First Nations people – to enter the tech industry as AI, datacentres, and other trends create once-in-a-generation opportunities.
“AI is changing the way we work, learn, and connect. Every job is going to require some degree of AI fluency. Our goal is to help people unlock the power of AI by building capabilities in the?workforce and supporting communities by helping them gain AI skills,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies, who is visiting Australia as part of Microsoft’s AI Tour.
“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring Australians have the skills required for the jobs of today and tomorrow, which is why we are investing in Vocational Education and Training, TAFEs and fit-for-purpose facilities, to meet the needs of our growing nation. We will always back employers, like Microsoft, who are committed to upskilling workers, including in terms of navigating changing technologies.” Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training.
Business: Expanding the AI Academy program, which has already trained 10,000 participants, and engaging over 20,000 SMB leaders to leverage AI for productivity and growth.
Public Sector: Strengthening AI adoption across government agencies with tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot and partnerships, such as with the Victorian Government.
Education: Programs like AI Amplified aim to reach 175,000 students and educators, while collaborations with institutions like Brisbane Catholic Education and Te Pukenga focus on future-ready skills.
Community: Partnering with Infoxchange to train over 10,000 not-for-profit workers and launching initiatives like Digital Sisters to support digitally excluded women.
Predictions for AI-Related Jobs
Microsoft’s Work Trends Index shows 75 percent of Australian leaders prioritise AI skills in hiring, far above the global average of 66 percent.
“A new AI economy is also emerging in which individuals will find work in tasks such as building AI applications, operating datacentres, and managing and analysing data. It has been predicted that AI could create up to 200,000 AI-related jobs in Australia alone by 2030, ranging from software programming and sales roles to ‘digital tradies’ who run datacentres,” Microsoft said in a statement on Wednesday.
“AI is a new general-purpose technology that can boost productivity across every sector and create new markets,” said Steven Worrall, Managing Director, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. “Because its impact will be so wide-reaching, we need to ensure that as many people as possible can access and benefit from the technology. That will require tools, infrastructure, and training, so we’re working hard on all those fronts.”
This work will be complemented by ongoing programs such as Digital Sisters: AI for Good, a program supported by Telstra and delivered by the Good Things Foundation to support digitally excluded women, and Code Without Barriers for female software developers, the official release said.
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