Amidst cost-cutting measures and restructuring, Google continues to innovate and invest in AI. Google has unveiled a €25 million training and skills initiative aimed at empowering Europe’s workforce to embrace the potential of AI. The programme is specifically designed for “vulnerable and underserved” communities, identified as at risk of being left behind in the rapidly advancing landscape of AI in the workplace.
To reach those who stand to benefit the most from this training, Google has invited applications from social enterprises and non-profits. Selected organisations will undergo specialised and guided training on fundamental AI concepts. Additionally, Google will provide financial grants to address essential support needs, such as childcare or compensation for wages, to eliminate barriers to learning.
Emphasising the potential of AI to positively transform the world, the company highlighted that this new programme aims to equip individuals across Europe with knowledge, skills and confidence in AI, ensuring inclusivity.
Google will also host “growth academies” to support startups tackling challenges in health, education and cybersecurity using AI. Applications are currently open for the Growth Academy: AI for Health, and Google assured that winning funding won’t entail taking a stake in the awarded companies.
Furthermore, Google plans to expand its AI foundational courses to 18 languages, broadening accessibility and promoting widespread AI literacy. This initiative builds on Google’s prior efforts in Europe, such as the “Grow with Google” programme launched in 2015, which provided free training to address the digital skills gap in the European Union. Google claims to have upskilled over 12 million individuals since the inception of that programme.
