Microsoft has announced an ambitious new initiative intended to equip 1 million people across Australia and New Zealand with essential AI skills by 2026.
The AI Skills Initiative is designed to support local workforces facing a rapidly changing digital economy. It will target everyone from individuals building AI systems to those applying AI in everyday roles. The initiative supports Microsoft’s commitment to training 300,000 Australians with digital skills within two years — a target the firm said would be hit by early 2025.
How will the AI Skills Initiative help Australians, New Zealanders?
The initiative will provide free access to tools, including an AI Skills Navigator, an AI-powered agent to help learners find appropriate skilling pathways for their circumstances. Learning resources will also be available through Microsoft Learn, LinkedIn, GitHub, and Viva Learning.
Microsoft intends to curate the AI content specifically for sectors such as public services, education, and not-for-profit organisations so that the training will be relevant and actionable in work contexts.
SEE: New Australian Migration Strategy to Deliver Skills for Tech Sector
Why is Microsoft focused on upskilling?
Microsoft’s upskilling push partly ensures that a broader base of people — including disadvantaged communities — can learn AI. For example, Microsoft said the new program aims to provide tailored training for individuals from diverse backgrounds, including women, people with disabilities, regional communities, and First Nations people.
The upskilling initiative will also support Microsoft’s own AI ambitions in the region, with the uptake of AI products dependent on users being knowledgeable and skilled enough to apply them to their work. Previously, AI skilling has been identified as a key gap in the market in Australia, with many employees saying their organisations talk about the tools but do not invest in the people using them.
Microsoft’s corporate vice president of Microsoft Philanthropies, Kate Behncken, said the commitment would ensure the workforce was capable as AI transforms “the way we work, learn and connect.”
“We want to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to unlock the power of AI,” she said.
Microsoft plans to collaborate to achieve its training target
Microsoft has provided some details on plans to work with various partners to achieve its upskilling aims. These collabora