Australia's Largest AI Training Initiative
Microsoft has announced a major initiative to train three million Australians in AI skills by the end of 2028. This commitment, the largest of its kind in Australia, is part of the company's efforts to build an AI-ready workforce.
The initiative will be delivered in collaboration with government, industry, education, and community sectors, aiming to expand access to practical and responsible AI training. This supports Australia's National AI Plan to enhance national capabilities and ensure safe AI adoption.
Expanding on previous commitments, Microsoft had pledged to skill one million individuals by 2024, and 300,000 Australians in 2023, both of which were achieved ahead of schedule. The new commitment focuses on the future workforce, current workforce, and the community.
Programs Across Australia
Microsoft Elevate for Educators is being launched to support schools and educators in adopting AI technologies. Offered at no cost, it provides trusted credentials and professional learning communities to help integrate AI into education.
In partnership with Anyway, Microsoft is offering AI-powered Career Coach tools to assist school leavers with personalised career guidance. This tool will be available to 1,000 schools across Australia, providing timely career advice to students.
Microsoft’s Datacentre Academy, expanded to Melbourne in partnership with Victoria University, offers practical training for cloud and data centre careers. This helps bridge the gap between education and employment in the AI sector.
Jane Livesey, President of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, stated, "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."
The initiative also includes partnerships with major employers like Telstra and Westpac to deliver AI training at scale, with 150,000 workforce learners trained in the past year.
Microsoft is working with the Australian Council of Trade Unions to ensure workers' voices and skilling remain central to the AI transformation, including developing curricula with the Australian Trade Unions Institute.
The AI Skills Navigator platform offers curated training from Microsoft and LinkedIn Learning, helping individuals build AI and human skills through flexible, online learning.
To ensure broad access to AI opportunities, Microsoft is launching Elevate for Changemakers to support Australian nonprofit and social impact leaders in AI adoption, alongside initiatives like Deadly Coders to support Indigenous students.
By the end of 2029, Microsoft plans to invest A$25 billion in digital infrastructure, cyber defence, and workforce skilling programs, underlining its commitment to Australia's AI future.
Last updated: 24 April 2026, 1:34 am
