'They'll use these models in ways none of us can predict,' says CEO Sundar Pichai
Google has announced a $1-billion investment to support AI education and job training programmes for students in the United States amid growing demand for AI skills.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai said they are providing the massive funding over three years for American education, including AI literacy programmes, research funding, and cloud computing services.
The tech giant will also make its Google AI for Education Accelerator, which offers free AI training and Google Career Certificates, available to every college student in America.
"Knowing how to use this technology will also serve these students well as they transition to the world of work," Pichai said in a statement.
"That's why we are building on our years of experience with the Google Career Certificates to offer AI training free for all college students."
Huge demand for AI skills
The major investment comes amid growing demand for talent with AI skills in the workplace.
In the human resources field, job postings for HR roles requiring AI skills had a 66% growth rate as of 2024, according to labour market intelligence firm Lightcast.
It also found that generative AI roles across non-tech industries also saw a staggering 800% rise since 2022.
The huge demand for AI talent has raised compensation for these workers, with a 2024 PwC report finding that jobs with AI specialist skills now carry a wage premium of up to 25% in some parts of the world.
First generation of 'AI natives'
Pichai said today's students are the first true generation of "AI natives."
"They'll use these models in ways none of us can predict, whether it's learning things in new ways or creating new types of jobs we haven't imagined yet," he said.
"It's still early days and there will be important questions ahead. That's why we're working with institutions across higher education to ensure student success."
In addition to offering AI training and resources, Google said it is also making its Google AI Pro plan available for free for 12 months to students in the US, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, and Brazil.
"Getting our most powerful technology into students' hands — while supporting them with training and infrastructure — is how they'll shape the AI platform shift and make sure it benefits everyone," Pichai said.
"We can't wait to see what the next generation of builders, artists and thinkers will do."
