Microsoft launches initiative to make 1M Poles AI fluent by 2025

Microsoft has launched a major artificial intelligence training initiative in Poland, aiming to equip one million people with AI skills by 2025, building upon its existing investments in the Polish Digital Valley.

Program overview and scope: Microsoft’s AI Skills Initiative represents a significant expansion of the company’s educational presence in Poland, where it has already trained over 430,000 professionals and students.

• The program will offer more than 200 free courses through the Microsoft AI Skills Navigator learning hub
• Course content will be available in Polish and range from beginner to advanced levels
• Training materials will be sourced from LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn, GitHub, and various partners

Key course offerings and accessibility: The initiative emphasizes comprehensive learning paths tailored to different skill levels and professional backgrounds.

• The “AI Fluency” course features 44 bite-sized videos covering various AI topics
• Content will be regularly updated to maintain relevance
• An AI assistant will help users find learning paths matched to their specific needs and goals
• Training covers practical applications from basic internet searching to advanced development using Azure OpenAI

Market demand and employment trends: Recent data indicates strong demand for AI skills in the Polish job market.

• 77% of Polish organizations are currently using or planning to implement AI within the next 12 months
• Over half of business leaders prefer candidates with AI skills, even those with less experience
• 61% of employees in Poland already utilize AI in their work
• 53% of business leaders would not consider hiring candidates without AI skills

Strategic importance: The initiative aligns with Microsoft’s broader investment in Poland’s digital transformation.

• Microsoft has established the Azure Poland Central cloud computing region
• The program represents a collaboration between public and private sector partners
• The initiative aims to support growth across business, public sector, and society
• Training will help individuals capitalize on AI’s transformative potential in the economy

Looking ahead: As AI adoption accelerates in Poland, this initiative positions the country as a key market for AI expertise development while addressing the growing skills gap that could otherwise limit economic growth and innovation. The success of this program could serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions facing AI skills shortages.