Microsoft launches new AI skills program to expand opportunities for Australians and New Zealanders

SYDNEY – 11 DECEMBER 2024 – Microsoft has today launched a new AI Skills Initiative to help one million people in Australia and New Zealand secure the skills they need to thrive in the AI economy, from building AI systems to using the technology in everyday roles. It will work closely with government, business, education and not-for-profit partners to ensure the training is relevant and to help meet the one-million-person target by 2026.  

Microsoft will provide free resources through its platforms. These include the new AI Skills Navigator, which is an AI-powered agent to help learners find the right AI skilling path, and Microsoft Learn, Viva Learning, LinkedIn and GitHub. It will also deliver curated content specific to the public sector, the education sector and not-for-profit organisations.  

The initiative builds on Microsoft’s October 2023 commitment to help train 300,000 Australians with digital skills within two years, a target that is on track to be achieved by early 2025. It also reinforces Microsoft’s efforts to open more pathways for individuals – including women, those in regional locations, people with disability and First Nations people – to enter the tech industry as AI, datacentres, and other trends create once-in-a-generation opportunities.  

“AI is changing the way we work, learn, and connect. Every job is going to require some degree of AI fluency. Our goal is to help people unlock the power of AI by building capabilities in the workforce and supporting communities by helping them gain AI skills,” said Kate Behncken, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies, who is visiting Australia as part of Microsoft’s AI Tour.  

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring Australians have the skills required for the jobs of today and tomorrow, which is why we are investing in Vocational Education and Training, TAFEs and fit-for-purpose facilities, to meet the needs of our growing nation. We will always back employers, like Microsoft, who are committed to upskilling workers, including in terms of navigating changing technologies.” The Hon Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training. 

Microsoft’s Work Trends Index shows Australian business leaders are clear about the value of AI skills in candidates. Three quarters say they wouldn’t hire someone without AI skills – well above the global average of 66%. People are looking to their organisations for training, but many are skilling up on their own too. 

A new AI economy is also emerging in which individuals will find work in tasks such as building AI applications, operating datacentres, and managing and analysing data. It has been predicted that AI could create up to 200,000 AI-related jobs in Australia alone by 2030, ranging from software programming and sales roles to ‘digital tradies’ who run datacentres. 

“AI is a new general-purpose technology that can boost productivity across every sector and create new markets,” said Steven Worrall, Managing Director, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand. “Because its impact will be so wide-reaching, we need to ensure that as many people as possible can access and benefit from the technology. That will require tools, infrastructure, and training, so we’re working hard on all those fronts.” 

Microsoft will partner with organisations that understand learners’ needs and have the resources to provide training and assessment at scale. These include the following examples and programs where Microsoft typically provides access to its platforms as well as specific content curated and tailored for employees and employers. 

Business 

Microsoft will provide AI skills to businesses across Australia and New Zealand by extending access to existing training programs. These include the AI Academy, which is delivered by Microsoft in partnership with Akkodis and been successfully trialled with a number of major enterprises. Over 10,000 people have already gained AI-related skills through the program.  

In addition, Microsoft will support small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Australia and is currently exploring industry partnerships with organisations including Business NSW and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These partnerships, plus other activities in collaboration with nbn, will aim to engage more than 20,000 SMB business leaders and employees with a focus on using AI to bridge the skills gap, to increase productivity, and to support SMB owners in growing their business. 

The thirst for AI knowledge was recently demonstrated in NSW when over 38,000 SMBs signed up for microskills offered by the Institute of Applied Technology – Digital (IATD). These short courses were co-created by TAFE NSW, Macquarie University, UTS, and Microsoft.  

Public sector 

Microsoft plans to work with national and state government agencies to build AI awareness, skills, and confidence within the public sector. These partnerships will build on successful, early rollouts of Microsoft 365 Copilot in numerous government agencies and the launch of the AI Academy program. They will also see Microsoft work with the Victorian Government on a range of initiatives focused on strategic engagement, AI, skills, and cybersecurity. 

Education 

Microsoft is working closely with K-12 school systems, and vocational and higher education institutions, to enable educators to unlock learning improvements and help students gain critical skills for the future. This includes assisting 12,500 educators at Brisbane Catholic Education adopt Microsoft 365 Copilot across the organisation’s more than 140 schools. 

Microsoft also aims to help 175,000 people in education build the skills they need for the future workforce. This will be achieved through programs such as AI Amplified, delivered by Year13 and co-funded by KPMG, which aims to help young people gain the critical AI skills they need to thrive in an AI-enabled economy. The initiative includes youth research, e-learning academy skilling modules, social content and engagement events, and is expected to reach 50,000 young people over the next 12 months.

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In addition, the IATD will provide essential support to businesses and those seeking to upskill or reskill in AI. The institute has received more than 180,000 enrolments to date. 

In New Zealand, Microsoft will continue working with educational institutions such as Te Pūkenga to expand AI-related course materials.  

Not-for-profit and community 

Microsoft is partnering with Infoxchange to help not-for-profit leaders and employees in community organisations understand how to use AI at work to create an impact. Through Infoxchange’s Digital Transformation Hub, the partnership will support more than 10,000 people over the next 12 months through e-learning, webinars, events, and other activities.  

This work will be complemented by ongoing programs such as Digital Sisters: AI for Good, a program supported by Telstra and delivered by the Good Things Foundation to support digitally excluded women, and Code; Without Barriers for female software developers.  

Microsoft will also provide support through internal traineeships and its #10kWomen program, which is focused on helping women build technology skills in New Zealand. 

ENDS 

About Microsoft 

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. 

Rudolf Wagenaar, Senior Communications Manager, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand 

Email: [email protected] 

Mobile: 0439 082 550