Google has declared its intention to establish a support fund of 25 million euros ($26.9 million) to facilitate artificial intelligence (AI) skill development for European citizens.
Europe is currently in a “leading-edge” position regarding the economic utilization of AI; as such, the AI Opportunity Initiative for Europe seeks to provide training that will enable individuals to “seize the opportunity 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 technology developer, this initiative collaborates with businesses, academic institutions, European Union governments, and civil society to provide advanced AI training to local entrepreneurs, emphasizing vulnerable communities.
Allocating approximately ten million euros towards employee skill development to prevent them from “falling behind.” In mid-2023, the Italian government initiated a comparable endeavor wherein it allocated millions of euros in financial resources to support the enhancement of digital competencies among employees who face the imminent threat of job termination due to automation and AI.
“Grow with Google,” a successful initiative that provided complimentary training to help bridge the digital skills divide in the European Union, served as the inspiration for Google’s AI program, the company said. “Grow with Google” was discontinued in 2015. According to the report, the program instructed over 12 million individuals.
This most recent endeavor also incorporates a collaboration with the Centre for Public Impact (CPI), soliciting applications from nonprofit organizations and social enterprises based in the European Union to maximize the reach of AI training.
Adrian Brown, the executive director of the CPI, remarked that while AI can “transform the world,” it may also exacerbate inequality.
“This new program will help people across Europe develop their knowledge, skills and confidence around AI, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Google has additionally announced the inclusion of 18 additional languages in its AI foundational course and supplementary materials to its Google Career Certificates program, enabling practitioners to gain practical experience in implementing AI in real-world work scenarios.
This occurs as regional governing bodies of the European Union prepare to finalize the EU AI Act, which regulates the development and use of AI technologies within their respective legal jurisdictions.