Microsoft AI Program to Upskill ANZ Bridging Skill Gap, Boost Economy

Microsoft has announced an ambitious new plan to equip one million people in Australia and New Zealand with basic artificial intelligence skills by 2026.

The Artificial Intelligence Skills Program aims to support the local workforce facing the rapidly changing digital economy. It will target everyone, from individuals building AI systems to those applying AI in their everyday roles. This initiative supports Microsoft’s Commitment Training 300,000 Australians in digital skills within two years – a goal the company says it will achieve by early 2025.

How will the AI ​​skills program help Australians and New Zealanders?

The program will provide free tools, including the AI ​​Skills Navigator, an AI-powered agent that helps learners find the right skills pathway for their situation. Learning resources are also available through Microsoft Learn, LinkedIn, GitHub and Viva Learning.

Microsoft intends to curate AI content specifically for sectors such as public services, education, and nonprofit organizations so that training is relevant and actionable in work settings.

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Why is Microsoft focusing on skills improvement?

Microsoft’s skills upgrading program ensures that a wider range of people, including disadvantaged groups, can learn artificial intelligence to a certain extent. For example, Microsoft said the new program aims to provide tailored training to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, people with disabilities, regional communities and Aboriginal people.

This upskilling program will also support Microsoft’s artificial intelligence ambitions in the region, with adoption of artificial intelligence products dependent on users having sufficient knowledge and skills to apply them in their jobs. It comes after artificial intelligence skills were identified as a key gap in the Australian market, with many employees saying their organizations were talking about the tools But don’t invest in people who use them.

Kate Behncken, vice president of philanthropy at Microsoft, said the commitment will ensure employees are equipped to respond to artificial intelligence changing “the way we work, learn and connect.”

“We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to unleash the power of artificial intelligence,” she said.

Microsoft plans collaboration to achieve its training goals

Microsoft provided some details on its plans to work with various partners to achieve its upskilling goals. These collaborators will come from the government, business, education and non-profit sectors.

• Microsoft said it will expand AI training programs to various industries through cooperation with organizations such as technical consulting and trainer Akkodis and the Institute of Digital Application Technology (IATD).
• The tech giant is exploring partnerships with regional Australian business groups, including Business New South Wales and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to support skills training for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to increase AI knowledge and productivity.

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• Microsoft’s support for the public sector will include launching an AI Academy program for government agencies and working with the Victorian Government to launch strategic AI and cybersecurity initiatives to improve digital literacy.

Microsoft will provide artificial intelligence training to young learners

The company is also working with schools, vocational institutions and universities to integrate AI learning into the curriculum to educate future generations with the skills needed to support an AI-driven economy.

For example, the global technology company’s AI Amplified program aims to help 175,000 students develop the skills needed for the future workforce. Through partnerships with organizations such as KPMG and Year13, the program will reach more than 50,000 young people next year.

Artificial intelligence skills could help local workers take on new jobs

The Australian Technology Council has previously predicted that Artificial intelligence will create up to 200,000 new jobs by 2030including roles in software development, data center operations and data management, as well as roles supporting the expansion, governance and management of artificial intelligence systems.

Many roles in the future will involve the use of artificial intelligence. Three-quarters of Australian business leaders already believe that artificial intelligence skills are a must-have for job seekers. According to the 2024 Work Trends Index released by Microsoft. This is higher than the global average of 66%.

Steven Worrall, regional managing director at Microsoft, said that given the wide scope of the impact of artificial intelligence, as many people as possible should be able to access and benefit from this technology.

“It requires tools, infrastructure and training, so we’re working hard on all of those fronts,” he said.