Microsoft has unveiled an ambitious AI Skills Initiative, aiming to equip one million people across Australia and New Zealand with foundational AI knowledge by 2026. This initiative seeks to prepare individuals for an AI-driven economy by imparting essential skills applicable to a variety of roles, from developing AI systems to incorporating AI tools in everyday workplace tasks. To achieve this, Microsoft is collaborating with governments, businesses, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations to deliver relevant and impactful training.
The initiative builds upon Microsoft’s earlier commitment, announced in October 2023, to train 300,000 Australians in digital skills by 2025. This effort prioritizes under-represented groups such as women, people in regional areas, individuals with disabilities, and First Nations communities, ensuring their inclusion in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Comprehensive Training Resources
Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative will offer a suite of free resources through platforms like the AI Skills Navigator, Microsoft Learn, Viva Learning, LinkedIn, and GitHub. The program also includes tailored sector-specific training for public sector agencies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations.
In the business domain, Microsoft plans to expand its AI Academy program, which has already trained 10,000 participants, to reach an even broader audience. It also aims to engage over 20,000 small and medium business (SMB) leaders, enabling them to leverage AI technologies for enhanced productivity and growth.
Public sector initiatives will focus on accelerating AI adoption through tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot. Notably, partnerships with government agencies, including a collaboration with the Victorian Government, aim to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
Programs like AI Amplified in the education sector aim to benefit 175,000 students and educators. Collaborative projects with institutions such as Brisbane Catholic Education and Te Pūkenga further underscore Microsoft’s commitment to fostering future-ready skills among young learners.
Community-focused efforts include partnerships with organizations like Infoxchange, which aim to train over 10,000 not-for-profit workers. Additional initiatives, such as Digital Sisters, are being launched to address digital exclusion among women.
Addressing AI Workforce Demands
The growing importance of AI fluency in the workplace is reflected in Microsoft’s Work Trends Index, which highlights that 75% of Australian leaders now prioritize AI skills during hiring, surpassing the global average of 66%. This shift signals a burgeoning demand for AI-related expertise as businesses and organizations adapt to new technological paradigms.
The company predicts that AI could generate up to 200,000 new AI-related jobs in Australia by 2030. These roles are expected to encompass diverse areas, including software programming, sales, data center operations, and data management. Emerging professions like “digital tradies,” responsible for maintaining data centers, are also anticipated to gain prominence.
A Collaborative Effort to Maximize AI Benefits
Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Philanthropies, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in reshaping how people work, learn, and connect. “Every job will require some degree of AI fluency. Our goal is to empower individuals by building capabilities within the workforce and supporting communities in acquiring AI skills,” she said during her visit to Australia as part of Microsoft’s AI Tour.
Australia’s Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles MP, welcomed Microsoft’s initiative, noting its alignment with the government’s investments in vocational education and training. “We will always support employers like Microsoft who are committed to upskilling workers, particularly in navigating emerging technologies,” Giles said.
Microsoft Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Steven Worrall highlighted AI’s potential to boost productivity and create new markets. “AI is a general-purpose technology with wide-reaching impacts. Ensuring broad access to tools, infrastructure, and training is critical to enabling more people to benefit from this technology,” he stated.
Supporting communities and expanding opportunities.
Complementing its broader initiatives, Microsoft continues to support programs like Digital Sisters: AI for Good, which empowers digitally excluded women. The company is also advancing efforts through its Code Without Barriers program to encourage female software developers to contribute to AI development.
Through these initiatives, Microsoft aims to foster an inclusive AI economy, equipping individuals and communities with the skills needed to thrive in an era defined by technological innovation. With a strong focus on collaboration and accessibility, the company’s AI Skills Initiative promises to create lasting opportunities across Australia and New Zealand.
