Google releases new ‘product agnostic’ AI course to help with workforce upskilling

Google launched a new elearning course last week to help workers understand the basics of AI. Part of the company’s larger commitment to AI workforce development, the 10-hour course is available on Coursera, and through companies, educational institutions, and nonprofits.

“We have always believed, at Google, that the opportunities that are created by technology should truly be available to everyone,” said Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, the company’s online career certificate program.

This course is “product agnostic,” so what employees learn in the program can be used with Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Bard, or ChatGPT. It features AI best practices, including how to use it responsibly in day-to-day work.

Students will learn about real-world applications for the tech and practice inside the module, according to Gevelber. The aim is to skill workers in a variety of occupations and industries.

Writing a business plan? Writer’s block? Need marketing materials? AI can help. The course aims to skill users with the how-to.

Zoom out. Business leaders are worried about their workers’ AI skills, according to research from Deloitte, as the technology makes its way into daily workflows. As employees adopt generative AI tools, they’ll need a workforce able to use them, and talent acquisition and development teams are busy assessing their needs.

The tech giant also announced a $75 million fund to help companies, nonprofits, and governments upskill their workers. This AI Opportunity Fund aims at skilling more than one million Americans on AI, specifically targeting rural areas and other underserved locations, as well as communities like veterans and small business owners.

Gevelber said AI upskilling is a “a huge need” for companies all across the US, and programs like the AI Opportunity Fund and the new AI course are ways to help corporate America get there.

“We’re all on an important learning journey, we’re early in the lifecycle of a new technology that’s really going to enhance the way we all work,” she said. “The sooner we all get experienced with using it, the better outcomes for both employees and for employers.”