Verizon launches $70 million AI initiative to “up-skill” American workers – all for free
The one-stop AI skills shop will match American workers with tech giants including IBM, Google, Microsoft, and Anthropic.
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- Verizon will invest $70 million in free AI training for US workers, educators, job seekers, and small businesses.
- The training portal will include content from IBM, Google, Microsoft, Anthropic, Coursera, and OpenAI.
- Courses will cover everyday AI tools, responsible use, and beginner-friendly lessons for self-paced learning.
- $20 million supports a fund for departing Verizon employees after layoffs affecting 15,000 workers under CEO Dan Schulman.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
Verizon on Wednesday announced it will invest $70 million to train American workers and small businesses with the skills to thrive in a new AI era and boost the US economy – and it won't cost workers a dime.
The new initiative is “designed to empower job seekers, early career professionals, displaced workers, educators, and small businesses, the telecommunications giant said in the announcement.
“AI isn't just a technological shift – it will change the face of every workforce around the world, said Dan Schulman, who took over the helm at Verizon as CEO barely a year ago, last October.
By giving people and small businesses free access to the best AI training, we are helping workers retain their jobs, navigate transitions, support their families, and help small businesses grow—while building confidence in our American economy,said Dan Schulman, Verizon CEO.
Free AI training: What can workers expect
The “Verizon AI Skills for America” initiative is being described as a one-stop training portal providing free resources and high-value training content said to be worth more than $700 per person per year.
The no-cost self-paced training will be taught by leading AI experts from the following big tech partners:
- IBM
- Microsoft
- Anthropic
- Coursera
- OpenAI
Verizon says the program is geared for all levels, including beginners, and will provide “ simple lessons designed to make AI easy to understand.”
Trainees are expected to learn how to apply AI tools to everyday workflows, and how to use AI responsibly, thoughtfully, and effectively.
Verizon takes AI training nationwide
The initiative will launch nationwide with core wrap-around services available in select regional markets, Verizon said.
It will also work closely with “trusted mission-based organizations” to help launch the workforce initiative in local communities, providing hands-on coaching, curriculum guidance, feedback, and more.
This will include Goodwill Industries International, the largest nonprofit provider of job training and career placement services in North America, the company added.
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Verizon says the $70 million investment includes the $20 million Reskilling and Career Transition Fund already earmarked for “departing employees” who were booted in two rounds of mass layoffs and a corporate retail store fire sale.
The layoff packages had included a provision offering free AI training to the 15,000 workers laid off in total since Shulman became CEO.
