Google just dropped some big news on Friday: they’re launching a course aimed at teaching a whopping one million Americans how to use artificial intelligence tools.
That’s right, the tech giant is on a mission to empower people with the skills they need to navigate the rapidly evolving world of AI.
But wait, there’s more! Google isn’t just offering a course; they’re putting their money where their mouth is. The company’s charitable arm, Google.org, has set aside a staggering $75 million in grants for AI skills training. The focus? The focus is on helping people in rural and underserved areas get up to speed with this game-changing technology.
This announcement comes on the heels of some controversial Google moves. Just last week, the company scrapped its rules that required suppliers and staffing firms to provide good pay and benefits to their employees. And let’s not forget the massive layoffs in February, where thousands of Googlers found themselves out of a job despite the company’s record profits. It’s no wonder some folks are worried that AI might be replacing human workers at Google.
But back to the course: if you’re interested in learning about AI, you can snag it for $49 on Coursera, a for-profit online course provider. According to the listing, you’ll learn how to use generative AI tools to come up with ideas, make better decisions, and speed up your daily tasks. Plus, you’ll get tips on how to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing landscape of AI.
As for that $75 million in grants, Google says it’s going to “best-in-class workforce development and education organizations.” Goodwill Industries International is one of the lucky recipients, and they’ll use the funds to help Americans leverage AI technology to boost their productivity and prepare for tomorrow’s jobs.
Now, Goodwill has a solid track record when it comes to helping workers land permanent gigs with decent salaries and benefits. But it’s worth noting that the organization has come under fire for paying disabled employees less than the minimum wage under the guise of job skills training. The US Department of Labor permits this controversial program, which results in some disabled workers earning less than a buck an hour.
Speaking of controversies, let’s circle back to Google’s recent decision to roll back its rules requiring business partners to pay their workers a living wage. From 2019 until last week, Google had been pretty strict about this, insisting that contractors pay at least $15 an hour and provide health insurance and benefits. Because Google was exercising some control over these workers, the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) said the tech giant was actually a “joint employer.” That means Google would have to bargain with their unions, and we all know how much the company loves doing that (hint: they don’t).
In fact, Google has a history of refusing to bargain with unionized workers, even those at YouTube, which it owns. When YouTube contractors joined the Alphabet Workers Union last year and demanded to bargain with Google over working conditions, the company said “no way.” The NLRB ruled that this refusal was against the law, but it’s just one example of Google’s alleged anti-union behavior.
Google’s new charitable programs and AI course sound great on paper, but it’s hard not to view them through the lens of the company’s recent actions. The company’s recent actions, including layoffs, reductions in worker protections, and opposition to unionization, present a complex picture. Reductions in worker protections and opposition to unionization present a complex picture.
If you’re still keen on learning about AI, the new course might be worth checking out. It’s self-paced, with 10 hours of material spread across five modules. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wondering about the bigger picture—like how AI is impacting the workforce and what role tech giants like Google play in shaping the future of work.
The Information is Taken from Govtech and Fox Business
