- Future Skills Organisation & Microsoft launch FSO Skills Accelerator–AI to bridge Australia’s AI skills gap via the VET system, reaching 30,000+ educators.
- 12-month pilot will test a scalable model for AI training, backed by major partners like TAFE, Commonwealth Bank, Adobe, and the National AI Centre.
- Part of Microsoft’s $4B global AI skilling push, aiming to equip 1M Australians & New Zealanders with AI skills by 2026.
Future Skills Organisation (FSO) and Microsoft have launched the FSO Skills Accelerator-AI, a national program designed to bridge Australia's AI skills gap through a strategic partnership between employers, industry, and training providers. Microsoft is the initial partner in this program, which aims to provide scalable, inclusive, and effective AI training through the nation's Vocational Education and Training (VET) system. The program was launched at FSO's National Forum in Canberra and will reach out to learners as well as over 30,000 VET teachers and administrators, preparing them with the skills required to succeed in an AI-led economy.
The 12-month pilot program will evaluate a sustainable and scalable model that enhances industry and training sector collaboration, emphasizing resource sharing, industry-educator collaboration, mass delivery of AI content, and peer learning. Federal Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles endorsed the initiative as an important step towards Australia's workforce being ready for a changing world as he called it a practical, scalable solution to address the AI training challenge.
The launch is supported by over a dozen industry and training organizations, such as TAFE QLD, TAFE SA, Commonwealth Bank, Adobe, Business NSW, National AI Centre, Canberra Institute of Technology, Swinburne University of Technology, and the Tech Council of Australia. FSO, sponsored by the Australian Government's Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, has a pivotal role in accelerating innovative training solutions to address changing skills needs.
Also Read: Skill Development: Paving the Way for Better Employment Opportunities and Growth
Generative AI is estimated to add up to $115 billion to Australia's economy each year by 2030, putting readiness for the workforce on the nation's priority list. The VET sector, which engages more than five million students every year, will be instrumental in embedding AI competencies in national training levels. Patrick Kidd, FSO CEO, reaffirmed the need to empower learners and educators for success in an AI-facilitated world, while Rachel Bondi of Microsoft noted the program as a model for transforming the country's workforce.
Matching Microsoft's $4 billion global AI skilling initiative, the partnership will equip one million Australians and New Zealanders with AI capabilities by 2026. The program extends an invitation to government, industry, and community partners to join forces to drive a new standard in AI capability and enable Australians for future jobs.
