• Bridging the AI skills gap: The AI Skills Passport (AISP) aims to equip one million learners with AI expertise.
• Addressing demand: Job postings requiring AI skills have surged by 2,000%, yet only 15% of Gen Z feels adequately prepared.
• Global expansion: The initiative is active in 18 countries with plans for further rollouts by 2025.

EY and Microsoft have launched the AI Skills Passport (AISP) to help students aged 16+ develop AI expertise. The free online program provides essential training on AI fundamentals, ethics, and real-world applications, preparing young professionals for the growing AI-driven economy.

Why it matters:

A recent EY and TeachAI survey, backed by Microsoft, found that just 15% of Gen Z respondents feel their education or employer has prepared them for AI’s impact. With AI skills in job postings skyrocketing by 2,000%, the AISP is designed to fill this gap.

How it works:

• The 10-hour, self-paced course is accessible on both web and mobile.
• Topics include AI fundamentals, ethical considerations, and its use in business, sustainability, and tech.
• Upon completion, participants earn an EY-Microsoft certificate and gain access to career resources.

Related Article: Microsoft Launches Free Global Webinar Series ‘Microsoft Sustainability Academy’

Where it’s available:

The program has already launched in the U.S., U.K., India, Italy, Greece, Belgium, South Africa, Ireland, Switzerland, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Sweden, and China. Expansion to additional countries and translations into five languages are planned through 2025.

Bigger picture:

The AISP aligns with EY and Microsoft’s broader mission to empower job seekers and entrepreneurs in an AI-powered future, contributing to EY Ripples’ goal of impacting one billion lives by 2030.

More impact programs:

• Microsoft Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact: Supporting 100+ tech-first entrepreneurs with financial planning, ESG strategy, and business resilience.
• EY & Microsoft Green Skills Passport: Training 46,000+ learners for jobs in the green economy.
• Future Skills Workshops (FSW): Offering AI training to underserved communities, with a new Latin America rollout.

What they’re saying:

Gillian Hinde, EY Global Corporate Responsibility Leader: “The AI Skills Passport equips young people and underserved communities with the AI experience needed to thrive in today’s digital age.”

Kate Behncken, Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies: “Through this initiative with EY, we’re helping young people build the AI skills they need to succeed in the evolving AI economy.”

Follow ESG News on LinkedIn