Initiative targeting to upskill learners and more than 30,000 VET educators
Australia's industry and training sector are teaming up in a major drive to close the country's skills gap in artificial intelligence.
Future Skills Organisation (FSO) and Microsoft has announced the new FSO Skills Accelerator-AI, which aims to deliver scalable skilling programmes through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
The 12-month pilot is targeting learners and more than 30,000 VET educators and administrators so they can be equipped with the capabilities to thrive in an AI-driven economy.
"AI is already transforming how we work and unlocking new levels of productivity across industries. To fully realise its potential, we must work at pace to empower our educators and learners with the skills and confidence to thrive in this AI-enabled world," said Patrick Kidd OBE OAM, CEO of FSO, in a statement.
The initiative has the support of more than a dozen industry and training stakeholders, including TAFE QLD, TAFE SA, Commonwealth Bank, Adobe, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Business NSW, National AI Centre, Canberra Institute of Technology, Chisholm Institute, Lumify Learning, St George and Sutherland Community College, Swinburne University of Technology, and Tech Council of Australia.
"This partnership with Microsoft, industry, and leading training providers is about turning ambition into action: building a workforce that is ready for the future, today," Kidd said.
Gains from AI
Productivity gains from AI are expected to be above 2.3% in the next decade, with an expected contribution of over $116 billion to GDP, according to the Productivity Commission.
However, recent research from Miro has revealed that just 29% of Australian workers consider their current AI knowledge and skills to be at an "expert" or "good" level.
In contrast, more than half (52%) rate their AI abilities as either "weak" or "non-existent."
"Australia's AI future depends on a national workforce that's ready to adapt, learn, and lead," said Lee Hickin, Executive Director of the National AI Centre, in a statement.
"By embedding AI learning into vocational education, this project ensures educators have the support to deliver practical, job-ready AI knowledge and skills."
Meanwhile, Rachel Bondi, Corporate Vice President SME Microsoft Asia and Independent Director at FSO, said they are proud to support and enable the industry-led collaboration.
"From pilot to policy, this partnership sets a bold blueprint for national workforce transformation. By harnessing the collective expertise and leadership of industry, we're not only preparing Australians for the jobs of tomorrow — we're actively shaping the future of work itself," Bondi said.
