Australia’s industry and training sector have joined forces in a significant initiative to address the nation’s skills gap in artificial intelligence. The Future Skills Organisation (FSO) and Microsoft have introduced the FSO Skills Accelerator-AI program to provide scalable skilling opportunities through the Vocational Education and Training (VET) system.
The 12-month pilot project aims to upskill learners and over 30,000 VET educators and administrators, equipping them with the necessary capabilities to excel in an AI-driven economy. According to Patrick Kidd OBE OAM, CEO of FSO, AI is revolutionizing work processes and enhancing productivity across various sectors. To fully leverage its potential, it is crucial to empower educators and learners with the skills and confidence to succeed in an AI-enabled world.
The initiative has garnered support from numerous industry and training stakeholders, including prominent names like TAFE QLD, TAFE SA, Commonwealth Bank, Adobe, and various educational institutions and industry bodies. The collaboration with Microsoft and other key partners aims to transform workforce readiness for the future, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive steps to align skills with industry demands.
AI-driven productivity gains are projected to exceed 2.3% in the coming decade, contributing over $116 billion to the GDP, as per estimates by the Productivity Commission. Despite the potential benefits, a study by Miro indicates that only 29% of Australian workers rate their AI knowledge and skills as proficient, highlighting a significant gap in readiness.
Lee Hickin, Executive Director of the National AI Centre, stressed the necessity of preparing a workforce that can adapt, learn, and lead in an AI-driven landscape. By integrating AI learning into vocational education, educators can deliver practical, job-ready AI competencies, ensuring a skilled workforce that can meet evolving industry requirements.
Rachel Bondi, Corporate Vice President SME Microsoft Asia and Independent Director at FSO, expressed pride in supporting industry-led collaboration to shape the future workforce. The partnership between Microsoft, industry leaders, and training providers sets a precedent for national workforce transformation, laying the groundwork for preparing Australians for the jobs of tomorrow and actively shaping the future of work.
As Australia moves towards a more AI-dependent future, initiatives like the FSO Skills Accelerator-AI program play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap and fostering a workforce that is adaptable, knowledgeable, and ready to embrace technological advancements. By investing in education and upskilling initiatives, Australia can position itself at the forefront of the global AI landscape, driving innovation and economic growth in the digital era.
📰 Related Articles
- Microsoft and FSO Launch AI Skills Program for Australians
- e.l.f. Beauty & Pinterest Launch AI Color Analysis Tool
- Wikipedia’s Future Amid AI Disruptions and Misinformation Challenges
- UK’s TechFirst Initiative Addresses AI Skills Gap for Workforce
- THAI Academy Initiative Enhances AI Skills for Thai Workforce