Microsoft has announced its biggest-ever AI skilling initiative in Australia, pledging to train three million people in workforce-ready artificial intelligence skills by 2028. The nationwide effort will expand access to practical, responsible AI training across schools, workplaces and communities.
Delivered in partnership with government, industry, education and community organisations, the initiative aims to build an AI-ready workforce while supporting the goals of Australia’s National AI Plan to boost capability and ensure safe adoption of AI.
The new target significantly scales up Microsoft’s previous commitments, including training one million people across Australia and New Zealand by 2025 and 300,000 Australians earlier, both achieved ahead of schedule. The expanded programme focuses on three key groups: future talent, the existing workforce and the wider community.
The announcement forms part of a broader $25 billion investment into Australia’s AI future, covering digital infrastructure, cyber security and workforce development through to 2029.
“Australia doesn’t just need more people who can use AI tools, we need a much broader set of capabilities: how to apply AI to real work, how to use it safely and how to judge when not to use it. Our goal is to make AI skills as common as writing a document – so this technology drives shared prosperity, creating opportunity that reaches students, workers, and communities right across the country,” said Jane Livesey, President, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand.
The urgency for AI skills is growing. Microsoft’s latest Work Trend Index highlights rising productivity pressures, while global research from LinkedIn shows a sharp increase in AI-related roles and demand for AI-capable talent across industries.
“Helping to skill three million Australians in AI is ambitious, but it matches the scale of change underway. From classrooms to the frontline and the community, we’re committed to helping Australians build the confidence to use AI responsibly and turn new capability into new opportunity,” Livesey added.
Building the future workforce
To prepare students for an AI-driven economy, Microsoft is launching Elevate for Educators in Australia. The free programme will help teachers and school leaders move from early experimentation to consistent and safe use of AI in classrooms through training, credentials and practical resources.
Students will also benefit from a new AI-powered Career Coach, developed with youth platform Anyway, offering personalised guidance on education and career pathways. The tool will be rolled out to up to 1,000 schools, helping address gaps in access to career counselling.
Beyond schools, Microsoft is expanding pathways into tech careers through its Datacentre Academy, developed with TAFE NSW and Victoria University, providing job-ready training in cloud and data centre roles.
Upskilling the current workforce
Microsoft is also focusing on helping today’s workforce adapt to AI. Through partnerships with organisations such as Telstra, Wesfarmers and Westpac, the company has already trained 150,000 employees in AI skills over the past year.
Programmes like the Institute of Applied Technology Digital are scaling access to practical learning in AI, data and cyber skills, while collaborations with training providers are extending AI education to frontline and deskless workers.
The company is also working with the Australian Council of Trade Unions to ensure workers are supported through the AI transition, including co-developing training programmes tailored to workforce needs.