Google has plans to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) education. The company, located in Mountain View, aims to focus its efforts on professionals in the tech sector, as well as on regulators and lawmakers who will influence the direction of AI development. According to reports, Google intends to develop both certification programs and trade-specific AI curricula at the college level to enhance employability within the AI field. Notably, the tech giant had already allocated $120 million (approximately Rs. 1,035 crores) to AI education initiatives last year.
Google to Invest in AI Education
Kent Walker, Alphabet’s President of Global Affairs, communicated to Reuters that equipping the workforce with AI skills is a top priority for Google. In addition, the company anticipates that these educational initiatives will assist regulators and lawmakers in crafting informed policies regarding AI.
“Familiarizing more people and organizations—including governments—with AI and its tools creates better AI policy and fosters new opportunities—a virtuous cycle,” he stated.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed the establishment of a $120 million fund in September 2024 aimed at promoting global access to AI education and training. Pichai also mentioned that the company would collaborate with nonprofit and civil society organizations to deliver training in local languages derived from Google-designed courses. Company executives are reportedly engaging with governments worldwide to discuss policy recommendations.
A significant emphasis of Google’s AI education efforts will be on workers vulnerable to displacement by technological advancements in the near future. The company is looking to broaden existing initiatives like Grow with Google and introduce new online and in-person training programs that emphasize business-oriented skills, particularly in data analysis and IT support roles.
Additionally, Google recognizes that merely offering courses is insufficient for adequately preparing the workforce. Walker expressed this concern, saying, “What really matters is if you have some sort of objective that people are working towards, like a credential that people can use to apply for a job.”
To address this need, Google is exploring public-private partnerships, including the “Skilled Trades and Readiness” initiative, which involves collaborations with community colleges in the U.S. to train students for potential employment in data center construction. AI education is also set to be integrated into this program.
This push for AI education comes at a time when Google is under scrutiny from regulators in various regions. In the European Union, the company is reportedly considering the divestment of part of its ad tech business following concerns about its Search platform. In the United States, an ongoing antitrust case is examining the monopoly status of the Google Chrome browser.
