While it will take some time before robots and machines take over some jobs, Google has launched a program that will teach individuals new skills relevant to the growing tech-based market. With the possibility of automation replacing more jobs in the future, tech companies such as Google are trying to address the situation. Google’s program, Grow with Google offers classes that will help people find new careers or even expand their current business. Programs are offered in the following categories: for teachers and students, for local businesses, and for job seekers. Sundar Pichai announced Grow with Google in Pittsburgh. He also addressed the uncertainty and concern about the pace of technological change. Pichai expressed his belief that technology will keep fueling America’s growth well into the future.
At an earlier event, Pichai said, “We think the internet should allow everyone to become a developer, entrepreneur, or creator, and we build our platforms around that.”
Almost anyone, whether young or old, can access the different programs offered. The program also offers an Udacity scholarship for web development or mobile app development on the Android platform. The scholarship covers up to 50,000 people and this includes those without any previous experience. Google also plans to organize events across the US to reach as many people as possible. Each event will give potential students a good glimpse into Google’s free demos and trainings.
Future Investments
Grow with Google is currently only available for US residents. Pichai said that by the year 2020, one-third of jobs will require skills that are not mainstream today. Clearly, there is a big chasm in terms of acquiring relevant skills. Therefore, Google has pledged $1 billion in grants to non-profit organizations to help prepare more individuals as technology changes the employment landscape. Google aims to educate and train 1.2 million individuals in new, future-ready tech skills that will open new opportunities for these individuals.
In a similar initiative, Facebook has pledged $25.5 million to train Michigan’s workers for high-tech work.
