Islamabad, Google has announced a significant expansion of its initiatives to boost artificial intelligence (AI) skills in Pakistan, introducing a new AI Essentials course, increasing scholarship opportunities for Google Career Certificates, and launching programs specifically tailored for freelancers and women.

According to Google, the tech giant is enhancing its commitment to Pakistan's digital landscape by providing 45,000 scholarships for Google Career Certificates in 2024. This initiative builds on the success of prior programs, which have notably advanced careers and financial growth for participants, especially women. Google's new AI Essentials course, available on Coursera, is designed for beginners and requires no prior experience in AI, aiming to democratize AI education and practical skills across various industries.

The AI Essentials course is part of a broader strategy to prepare individuals for emerging digital roles and enhance productivity using AI tools. Learners in the course will explore how to use AI to foster idea generation and streamline daily tasks, alongside lessons on responsible AI usage.

Google’s partnership with the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) introduces the PAFLA Freelancer and Career Success (Career Kamyabi) Programme, aiming to equip 50,000 Pakistani freelancers with essential soft skills like personal branding and communication. This initiative acknowledges Pakistan’s position as the third-largest freelancing economy globally and seeks to maintain the competitiveness of its freelance workforce in the fast-evolving digital environment.

These educational expansions by Google are set to further integrate AI into professional development in Pakistan, promoting both technological skills and career advancement in high-demand sectors.