Since machines could take millions of jobs the next few years, Google has launched a new initiative to help people in the US and around the globe learn new skills they can use to start a new career or to grow their business. Company chief Sundar Pichai has announced the project called "Grow with Google" at an event in Pittsburgh.
He said that the tech titan understands "uncertainty and even concern about the pace of technological change" but that it believes "that technology will be an engine of America’s growth for years to come."
The Grow with Google website houses several programs both teachers and students (of any age) can use. One of the most notable programs is a free Udacity scholarship in Android or web development for 50,000 individuals, even those with no prior experience. In addition, the Grow with Google initiative will be holding events across the US in the coming months to provide free training and demos provided by Googlers.
While the initiative’s offerings are for US residents, Google has also pledged $1 billion in grants to non-profits that also aim to help people prepare for the changing nature of work in an increasingly high-tech world. The big G isn’t the only tech giant aiming to prevent massive job losses brought about by automation and technology in general. In Michigan, Facebook also pledged $25.5 million in training the state’s workers for high-tech jobs.