Google has revealed intentions to establish a 25 million euro ($26.9 million) support fund to assist in providing skill training in the artificial intelligence (AI) area for Europeans.The goal of the AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe is to assist in training individuals so they can “seize the opportunity of AI” at a time when Europe is well-positioned to “lead the way” in the commercial application of AI.
“We want to play our part in empowering Europe’s workforce, supporting people through change so that everyone can benefit.”
According to the tech developer, local companies will receive advanced AI training from this project, which collaborates with governments, corporations, academic institutions, and civil society organizations in the European Union, with a special emphasis on vulnerable populations.The goal of providing workers with the skills they need to prevent “being left behind” will get about 10 million euros.The Italian government launched a similar program in the middle of 2023, providing millions of euros in subsidies to help workers who might be laid off as a result of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) acquire digital skills.
Google said the AI program follows a successful initiative launched in 2015 called “Grow with Google,” which offered free training to help address the digital skills gap in the EU. It said that the program trained more than 12 million people.
In order to reach as many people as possible with AI training, this most recent project also involves a relationship with the Centre for Public Impact (CPI), through which it is soliciting applications from social entrepreneurs and organizations headquartered in the EU.AI has enormous potential to “transform the world,” but it also has the ability to increase inequality, according to Adrian Brown, executive director of the CPI.
“This new program will help people across Europe develop their knowledge, skills and confidence around AI, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
In order to give professionals practical experience implementing AI in real-world work contexts, Google has also increased the number of languages available for its AI fundamental course to 18. Additionally, the company has announced that it is adding more resources to its Google Career Certificates program.This is happening as regional authorities get ready to sign off on the EU AI Act, which regulates the application and advancement of AI technology in areas under EU legal authority.