Google.org Future of Work: 5 years of impact and lessons for the AI era

Over the last five years, we’ve invested more than $150 million to help people learn digital skills. We’ve worked with 70 organizations across 41 European countries, reaching millions of people. Our goal is to bridge digital skills gaps for underserved communities.

Now, as we all look toward the AI era, we’re sharing what we learned in a new report. We found four key lessons from our digital skills programs that are shaping our new AI-focused efforts, like the AI Opportunity Fund, which supports the newly announced AI Works for Europe.

1. Solve for context

Every learner is different, and so is every community. The best results come from programs and support designed for their specific needs. For example, Google.org-supported research by Generation identified AI-driven hiring bias against mid-career workers; resulting in the development of a targeted program with an 83% job placement rate. ¹

Wraparound support — like help with living costs and technology access — ensures all students can succeed, regardless of their background. We have tested how to offer this support at scale to reduce the cost per learner. When sisters Asmaan and Farzaneh arrived in Germany from Afghanistan with no digital experience, DigiCo provided the technical and language skills needed to progress into programming, enrolling in a full-time web development program and returning to DigiCo as volunteer teachers. Similarly, at INCO, programs with wraparound support saw a 44% completion rate – more than double that of programs without this support. ²

2. Balance upskilling with growth mindset

The world of AI is changing fast. Teaching a specific skill isn't enough; we also have to encourage a "growth mindset" so people can adapt throughout their careers. We've seen this in action: TSL (The Finnish Workers' Educational Association) found that 69% of employees in its SkillPlus program continued developing digital skills after the program ended. ³

Mentorship and peer networks are key: at Czechitas, alumni make up 40% of the entire educator community, creating a self-sustaining cycle of support that outlasts the initial grant. ¹

3. Build for the long term

AI training is only as effective as the infrastructure supporting it. By providing flexible funding to local non-profits, we help them build strong, resilient programs that last. This way, we ensure the benefits of this training endure even as technology shifts.

4. Influence the system

To make a real difference, we need to help individuals while also improving the systems they rely on. By providing risk-free funding, we allow non-profits to test innovative ideas that can eventually be adapted into policy blueprints. For example, Ukraine’s Diia.Osvita platform grew from a local digital project into a piece of national infrastructure that now serves 52% of adults. ¹

In the AI skills era, no single organization can close the skills gap alone. Real impact happens when nonprofits, companies and governments work together. By using these lessons, we can turn individual success stories into a blueprint for large-scale, lasting change.