Verizon Targets AI Skills Gap With $70 Million Training Initiative

Verizon announced a $70 million initiative on September 23 to address the artificial intelligence (AI) skills gap among American workers and businesses. The program, titled AI Skills for America, targets job seekers, small businesses, early career professionals, and displaced workers. Verizon's CEO Dan Schulman emphasized that AI will change the workforce globally and that companies must invest in people's skills alongside technology.

The initiative funds existing $20 million Reskilling and Career Transition Fund for departing workers and adds $50 million for no-cost AI skills training for learners. Verizon is also collaborating with AI experts like Anthropic, Coursera, Google, IBM, Microsoft, and OpenAI to provide premium training materials at no cost. By offering these resources for free, Verizon aims to bridge the skills gap for learners at every career stage.

Meanwhile, WorkWhile CEO Simon Khalaf argues that there is a labor shortage on the horizon, contrary to claims that AI will take jobs away. According to Khalaf, demand for workers on the platform increased by 22% in August and 14% in late September, with more job openings than available workers. He believes AI infrastructure will require labor to build data centers, fueling demand for various occupations.