Upskilling stories

Microsoft commits AUD $25 billion to expand Australian AI and cloud capacity, as it teams with Canberra on cyber defence and skills training.

Infosys and Google Cloud widen partnership to package agentic AI tools for major industries, while training 100,000 staff on Gemini Enterprise.

Microsoft steps up New Zealand AI push with 200,000 more people to be trained as chief technology officer Sarah Carney says the real challenge is winning trust.

TAL deepens Microsoft tie with five-year Azure and AI pact, aiming to lift claims efficiency, staff training and customer service.

Microsoft and the ACTU launch talks in Sydney on AI in workplaces, with training, worker input and policy coordination at the centre.

Skillsoft data shows a sharp rise in AI learning and validation activity, with benchmark completions up 994% as employers seek proof of practical capability.

OpenAI's weekly user base has surged past 900 million as experts warn AI's economic impact is still hiding in official data.

Adobe unveils Firefly AI Assistant to automate multi-step creative work across Photoshop and Premiere, as design roles shift.

SolarWinds research finds AI is pushing IT staff into more strategic oversight, as governance and trust become key to using new tools effectively.

Adactin rolls out graduate scheme as tech employers warn only 1% of surveyed employers say new IT graduates are job-ready.

Australian Centre for AI in Marketing unveils four-week search strategy course as AI summaries drive fewer clicks and reshape brand visibility.

AI mentions surge in Australian job ads as employers broaden use, but public sector hiring still lags private firms by months.

Australia's AEC firms are ahead on digital delivery, but data ownership worries, tighter AI rules and rising software costs are slowing progress.

EY embeds agentic AI into Canvas audit workflows worldwide, aiming to cut admin, sharpen risk checks and keep human judgement in the loop.

Skillsoft says CAISY simulation launches jumped 341% as workers embrace AI practice, signalling a wider shift towards learning in the flow of work.

Tech bosses urge wider recruitment, earlier coding education and a rethink of what counts as technical excellence to open senior roles to women.

K&L Gates expands AI platform Legora across Australian offices with hands-on lawyer training and ISO-backed governance.

Australian map scores 358 occupations for AI risk, with clerks and telemarketers most exposed while trades and farming stay lower down.

EY deploys agentic AI across 160,000 audit engagements, backed by Microsoft, as it launches new assurance services and training.

CompTIA unveils AI Agent Essentials to help non-technical staff understand autonomous workplace tools and the risks of agentic systems.