Google will provide $1 billion in grants over five years to help Americans acquire the skills that will be required in a job market that is changing rapidly because of technology over the next five years.
Citing an Economist survey (PDF), Google CEO Sundar Pichai told an audience in Pittsburgh on Thursday that less than half of 18- to 25-year-olds believe their education gives them the skills they need in today’s workforce.
The plan in the U.S. is called “Grow with Google” program offers free training, online tools and events to make people more employable in a rapidly shifting job market.
The initiative comes as tech giants in Silicon Valley face growing scrutiny over the implications of technology and automation on jobs and the workforce.
Google also announced a partnership with Goodwill, including a $10 million grant. The partnership will have 1,000 Google workers train 1.2 million people in digital skills over the next three years.
