February 03, 2025 – [London] – EY and Microsoft have announced the launch of the AI Skills Passport (AISP), an innovative program aimed at equipping young people aged 16 and older with the essential skills needed to thrive in the AI-driven economy. This free, online course offers participants an opportunity to explore AI technologies and their applications in diverse industries and careers, enhancing their employability in a rapidly evolving job market.

In line with their social impact initiative, which aims to positively impact more than five million lives by 2025, the AI Skills Passport is designed to bridge the AI skills gap and empower the next generation of workers with the experience they need to succeed.

Despite a dramatic 2,000% increase in demand for AI skills in job postings, research from Randstad indicates that many young people feel their current education and employers are not adequately preparing them for the future of AI. According to a survey conducted by EY and TeachAI, with support from Microsoft, only 15% of Gen Z respondents feel satisfied with how schools or employers are preparing them for AI-related careers. The AISP is a step toward addressing this gap by offering a comprehensive, self-paced, 10-hour course that covers AI fundamentals, ethical considerations, and how AI is transforming sectors such as business, sustainability, and technology careers.

Participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion from EY and Microsoft, which will help strengthen their resumes and open up access to further employment and learning opportunities.

Available on both web and mobile platforms, the AISP program is already operational in the United States, United Kingdom, India, Italy, Greece, Belgium, South Africa, Ireland, Switzerland, Cyprus, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Sweden, and China, with further expansion planned for additional countries throughout 2025. It will also be translated into five languages to ensure broader access.

Gillian Hinde, EY Global Corporate Responsibility Leader, said:
“The collaboration between EY and Microsoft is an example of how organizations can come together to create lasting social change. The AI Skills Passport aims to equip underserved communities and young people with the AI experience they need, not only for today’s economy but for the future.”

Kate Behncken, Global Head of Microsoft Philanthropies, stated:
“Through this new initiative, we’re helping young people build the skills needed to succeed in an evolving AI economy. By bridging the gap between education and employability, we’re opening up new opportunities for the next generation to contribute and innovate.”

In addition to the AI Skills Passport, EY and Microsoft have collaborated on other impactful initiatives, including:

• Microsoft Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact: Supporting tech-first entrepreneurs solving global challenges.
• EY and Microsoft Green Skills Passport: Helping learners develop the skills needed for green jobs, with over 46,000 participants enrolled.
• Future Skills Workshops: Equipping underserved groups with skills to navigate the changing job market, including a module on AI to be launched across Latin America.

Both EY and Microsoft continue to align their efforts with the broader ambition of EY Ripples, which aims to impact one billion lives by 2030.

For more information about the AI Skills Passport and to sign up for the course, visit ey.com/ai-skills-passport.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions, using data, AI, and advanced technology to help clients shape their future with confidence. With a network spanning more than 150 countries and territories, EY brings diverse expertise and insights to the world’s most pressing challenges. Learn more at ey.com.

About Microsoft
Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is a leading technology company that empowers individuals and organizations to achieve more. From AI to cloud computing, Microsoft’s innovations help drive progress across industries and societies globally. To learn more about Microsoft’s philanthropic initiatives, visit microsoft.com/philanthropies.