Google is said to be planning a significant investment in education related to artificial intelligence (AI). The technology giant based in Mountain View is reportedly focusing its efforts on professionals in technology and related fields, along with regulators and lawmakers who will shape the future of AI. According to the report, the company aims to establish certification courses and introduce trade-specific AI knowledge at the college level to assist learners in obtaining jobs in the AI sector. Importantly, Google had pledged $120 million (approximately Rs. 1,035 crores) for AI education last year.
Google to Invest in AI Education
Kent Walker, President of Global Affairs at Alphabet (Google’s parent company), informed Reuters that training the workforce in AI is a crucial priority for the organization. Additionally, the tech giant is optimistic that these initiatives will enable regulators and lawmakers to make better decisions regarding AI going forward.
“Familiarizing more individuals and organizations, including governments, with AI and utilizing AI tools leads to improved AI policy and creates new opportunities – it’s a virtuous cycle,” he was quoted as saying.
Notably, Google CEO Sundar Pichai revealed an investment fund of $120 million in September 2024 to make AI education and training accessible worldwide. Pichai mentioned that the company will collaborate with nonprofit and civil society organizations to offer training in local languages based on Google-designed courses. Reports suggest that the company’s executives are currently discussing policy recommendations with governments globally.
A primary focus of AI-centric educational programs is reportedly on workers who may be displaced by the technology in the near future. The company is said to be looking to expand its ongoing initiatives like Grow with Google and introduce new online and in-person programs that offer business-related training and tools. These initiatives will also be skill-oriented and concentrate on data analysis or IT support roles.
Simultaneously, the tech giant is reportedly aware that courses alone cannot equip workers for the future. Addressing this concern, Walker told the publication, “What truly counts is if there is a specific objective that people are striving towards, like a credential that individuals can use to apply for a job. ”
For this purpose, Google is reportedly developing public-private partnerships such as the “Skilled Trades and Readiness” program. In this initiative, the company has collaborated with US-based community colleges to train students for potential job opportunities in constructing data centers. AI education is reportedly being incorporated into this program as well.
Importantly, the initiative to educate workers about AI comes at a time when Google is undergoing multiple regulatory probes in various regions. In the European Union (EU), the company is allegedly planning to divest a portion of its ad tech business following concerns raised regarding its Search platform. In the US, an ongoing antitrust case is assessing the monopoly of the Google Chrome browser.
