📱 AI and Digital Skills #15
HolonIQ is tracking reskilling and upskilling efforts to meet the rising demand for AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity skills. As these fields evolve, continuous learning is key to staying competitive and building a future-ready workforce.
This week, Google’s AI Opportunity Fund extends to Atlanta’s community foundation with the initiation of Project Evident, funding over $1M in tailored AI training to enhance nonprofits in the region. Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN collaborates with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to invest over $5 billion to create the first-ever AI zone, with plans to enhance infrastructure and training for the AI sector within the kingdom. Microsoft has the largest round of layoffs since 2023, cutting over 6000 of its employees as it incorporates more AI-driven operations.
Upskilling in the AI and Digital sector, the Nasscom Foundation partners with Capgemini to bring India’s youth workforce with AI and Digital skills prepared for the future. The data lab introduces a new digital and AI framework for Scotland, outlining key methodologies to close the current AI skills gap within the region. Oracle and the Zamfara State government signed an agreement to upskill the Nigerian youth in AI, cloud, and data science skills.
Thanks for reading!
Not a subscriber yet?
AI and Digital Labor Market Trends
🦾 Google Donates $1M to Advance AI Skills in Atlanta through the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to train local nonprofits in AI tools and adoption. In partnership with Project Evident, the initiative offers workshops, coaching, and tailored AI plans to close the sector's tech skills gap. As part of Google’s $75M AI Opportunity Fund, the program aims to empower nonprofits to maximize impact using AI solutions.
🧠 Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Saudi Arabia’s HUMAIN are investing over $5 billion to create an AI Zone in the Kingdom. This initiative includes state-of-the-art infrastructure, AI training, and advanced services like Amazon SageMaker and Bedrock, aiming to make Saudi Arabia a global AI powerhouse. It also supports Vision 2030, targets training 100,000 citizens, and fosters innovation across sectors like healthcare, education, and energy.
🤖 Microsoft Lays Off 6,000 Amid AI Investment Push. Microsoft cuts over 3% of its global workforce resulting in its largest job cut since early 2023. The move comes despite strong earnings, and reflects a shift toward AI-driven operations and leaner management layers. Cuts hit teams across Redmond HQ, Xbox, and LinkedIn. While not solely AI-related, the layoffs align with Microsoft's $80B investment in AI infrastructure, signaling strategic workforce reshaping for the future.
The North American Region Ranks Number One in AI Readiness
💻 The United States leads in global AI readiness due to its concentration of major tech companies driving AI innovation and a well-established network of AI tool providers serving the public sector.
⚡ Western Europe continues to be a strong performer in the Government AI Readiness Index. The United Kingdom leads the regional ranking this year with a score of 78.6, narrowly ahead of Finland at 77.4.
🌐 East Asia is the third-highest performing region in the latest Government AI Readiness Index, largely because several countries have improved their AI governance. For example, Japan and South Korea have created AI Safety Institutes, and Singapore has delegated these duties to its Digital Trust Center.
Upskilling/Reskilling Intiatives
🚀 India’s Youth Get Future-Ready with AI Training from Capgemini and Nasscom Foundation. Capgemini and the Nasscom Foundation have trained over 700 underserved youths in AI and digital skills through a 200-hour “AI for Skilling” program in Delhi NCR and Bengaluru. Covering generative AI, robotics, fintech, and soft skills, the initiative is creating real career pathways in tech.
⚙️ Scotland Launches New AI Skills Framework to Future-Proof Workforce. The Data Lab has introduced a Data and AI Skills Framework to prepare Scotland's workforce for the digital future. Launched at the annual DataFest, the framework supports individuals, educators, and businesses by outlining skill pathways to close AI literacy gaps, promote inclusive growth, and guide targeted upskilling across sectors.
💻 Zamfara Partners with Oracle to Empower Youth with Digital Skills. The partnership aims to upskill youth, build tech capacity, and integrate digital education into Zamfara’s institutions via ZITDA. Learners will gain free access to training in AI, cloud, data science, and more, positioning Zamfara as an emerging hub for innovation and digital transformation in Nigeria.
Like getting this newsletter? Request a demo for unlimited access to over one million charts
Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com
