Global professional services firm EY and technology giant Microsoft have launched the AI Skills Passport (AISP), a free online program aimed at equipping students aged 16 and older with essential skills in artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is part of a broader social impact collaboration between the two organizations, focusing on empowering young people, particularly those from underserved communities, to thrive in the rapidly evolving AI economy.

The AISP comes at a critical time when demand for AI skills has surged dramatically—by 2,000% according to Randstad research. Despite this growing need, a recent survey conducted by EY and TeachAI, with support from Microsoft, revealed that only 15% of Gen Z respondents feel adequately prepared by their schools or employers to handle the implications of AI and its tools. The AISP aims to address this disconnect by offering a comprehensive educational resource designed to upskill one million individuals by 2025.

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Participants in the program will have access to a self-paced, 10-hour course covering fundamental AI concepts, ethical considerations, and practical applications across various sectors, including business, sustainability, and technology. Upon completion of the course, learners will receive a certificate from EY and Microsoft that can enhance their resumes and provide access to further learning and employment resources.

The program is accessible on both web and mobile platforms and has already been launched in multiple countries including the United States, United Kingdom, India, Italy, Greece, Belgium, South Africa, Ireland, Switzerland, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Sweden, and China. Plans are underway for expansion into additional countries throughout 2025, with translations into five languages to increase accessibility.

In addition to the AI Skills Passport, EY and Microsoft have collaborated on other impactful programs aimed at addressing various societal challenges. These include:

  • Microsoft Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact: This program supports tech-first entrepreneurs tackling pressing global challenges by providing them with essential skills in investment strategies and business resilience
  • EY and Microsoft Green Skills Passport: This initiative helps learners develop skills for green jobs within the growing green economy; over 46,000 learners have completed this free course.
  • Future Skills Workshops: These workshops aim to upskill underserved groups with knowledge about navigating a changing world. The newest module focuses on AI and will be launched across Latin America.

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FAQs

1. What is the AI Skills Passport (AISP) program?

The AISP is a free online program launched by EY and Microsoft to help students aged 16 and older learn about AI technologies and how to apply them across various industries and careers.

2. Why was the AISP program created?

The program aims to address the growing demand for AI skills, which has surged by 2,000%, and to bridge the gap between current education and the skills needed in the modern workplace, as only 15% of Gen Z feel adequately prepared for AI.

3. In which countries is the AISP program currently available?

The program has been activated in the United States, United Kingdom, India, Italy, Greece, Belgium, South Africa, Ireland, Switzerland, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Sweden, and China, with plans for expansion to additional countries and translations into five languages.

Conclusion

The launch of the AISP by EY and Microsoft marks a pivotal step in addressing the growing demand for AI skills among young people. Moreover, it represents a significant step towards equipping young people with the necessary skills for success in an AI-driven world while also contributing to EY’s ambition of impacting one billion lives by 2030. By providing accessible, free education tailored to the needs of underserved communities, this initiative aims to empower one million individuals by 2025. As the job market increasingly prioritizes AI competencies, programs like AISP are essential in bridging the skills gap and preparing the next generation for successful careers in an AI-driven economy.

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