Google is reportedly planning to invest heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) education. The Mountain View-based tech giant’s efforts are said to be focused on professionals working in technology and allied fields, as well as regulators and lawmakers who will determine the future of AI. According to the report, the company wants to offer business-specific AI knowledge at the college level along with creating certification courses to help learners gain employment in the AI ​​industry. Notably, Google last year pledged $120 million (about Rs 1,035 crore) for AI education.
Google will invest in AI education
Kent Walker, president of global affairs at Alphabet (Google’s parent company), told Reuters says training the workforce on AI is a key priority for the company. Along with this, the tech giant also hopes that these efforts will help regulators and lawmakers make better decisions about AI in the future.
He was quoted as saying, “Getting more people and organizations, including governments, introduced to AI and using AI tools, creates better AI policy and opens up new opportunities – it’s a virtuous cycle.”
Notably, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced $120 million investment fund in September 2024 to make AI education and training available globally. Pichai said the company will partner with non-profits and civil society organizations to provide training in local languages ​​based on courses designed by Google. Company officials are reportedly discussing policy recommendations with governments around the world.
It is said that the main focus of AI-focused educational programs is on workers who may be displaced by technology in the near future. The company reportedly wants to expand its existing initiatives such as Grow with Google as well as introduce new online and in-person programs that provide business-focused training and tools. These will also be skills-based and focus on data analysis or IT support roles.
Also, the tech giant is said to be aware that courses alone cannot prepare workers. Addressing the concern, Walker told the publication, “What really matters is whether you have some kind of purpose that people are working for, like a credential that people use to apply for a job. Can do.”
For this, Google is reportedly working on public-private partnerships like the “Skilled Trade and Readiness” programme. For this initiative, the company partnered with US-based community colleges to train students for potential jobs in building data centers. AI education is also reportedly being added to the program.
Notably, the decision to educate workers on AI comes at a time when Google is facing multiple regulatory scrutiny across various sectors. The company is reportedly planning to sell a part of its ad tech business after questions were raised over the search platform in the European Union (EU). In the US, an antitrust case is underway to determine the monopoly of the Google Chrome browser.
