25 Tech Companies Pledge AI Training for 120 Million Workers by 2030

Twenty-five big tech companies like Adobe and Cisco promised to help 120 million workers learn about AI and digital skills by 2030. They want to give people the training they need for new jobs as AI changes the way we work. Many companies are opening up free courses and job pathways, and already, more than half of new trainees are learning about AI. Women are joining in strong numbers, and people earning AI certificates are getting better pay. The goal is to help one billion people worldwide get ready for the future, and the program is growing quickly to reach that huge number.

In a landmark move, more than 25 technology companies have pledged to support 120 million workers with AI access, skills training and job pathways by 2030. This commitment, announced at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, marks the latest chapter of the Forum's Reskilling Revolution initiative and includes industry giants like Adobe, Cisco, Salesforce, and HP.

This pledge significantly advances the Reskilling Revolution's overarching mission to prepare one billion people for the future of work. The initiative is now closing in on its goal, with total commitments reaching 856 million learners across 79 economies - up from 680 million just two years prior, according to WEF press announcements (856 million).

Why the extra firepower now

The push for accelerated AI training stems from urgent forecasts about the technology's impact on the global workforce. With generative AI poised to disrupt a significant percentage of jobs and create a widespread need for new capabilities, this corporate alliance aims to address the impending skills gap proactively.

The urgency is driven by McKinsey projections that by 2030, up to 30 percent of hours worked in the US could be automated, boosted by generative AI. Additionally, Wharton research indicates that 40 percent of current labor income is potentially exposed to generative AI automation. If the global workforce were represented by a group of 100 people, 59 are projected to require reskilling or upskilling by 2030, highlighting the corporate alliance's focus on three key priorities:
- Expanding affordable AI literacy, especially for entry-level roles vulnerable to automation.
- Providing industry-recognized micro-credentials that are directly linked to available job openings.
- Strengthening public-private partnerships like the "Country Accelerators" program, exemplified by India's Skills Accelerator, where an MoU was signed in 2026 and is presently in the initial phase of operationalization, focused on establishing framework.

What the companies are putting on the table

Participating firms are contributing concrete resources to the initiative. For example, Cisco will open its Networking Academy and Cisco U platforms to one million new students, while SAP is offering free access to its Learning Hub for university groups. Other partners, including IBM, Accenture, and Salesforce, are developing new curricula that integrate cloud computing, data governance, and ethical AI. Crucially, all companies have agreed to publish annual progress reports, enabling governments to better align training programs with labor market demand.

Early impact signals

Analysis from the World Economic Forum already highlights encouraging trends emerging from the initiative:
1. High Uptake: A significant portion of people served by Country Accelerators have enrolled in AI or digital-focused training tracks, signaling strong demand.
2. Gender Balance: While women represent approximately 27% of the global tech workforce and 28% of US computing roles, the broader workforce shows more balanced participation, with women comprising 47% of the overall US workforce.
3. Wage Growth: Research indicates workers with AI skills can see wage premiums, with Foote Partners reporting 9-11% premiums for AI certifications and Oxford studies showing up to 12% higher wages for men with AI skills in certain contexts.

How this fits the global jobs picture

This reskilling effort is set against a backdrop of transformative economic change. Goldman Sachs estimates that 300 million jobs globally are exposed to automation by AI over the next decade, though new roles in infrastructure may offset some losses. Capitalizing on emerging opportunities depends entirely on rapid upskilling. This need is further highlighted by PwC's AI Jobs Barometer, which finds that required skills in AI-exposed occupations are changing 66% faster than in less-exposed fields.

Looking ahead

The initiative's momentum is set to continue. Over the next 18 months, the Forum will release a new skills taxonomy focused on green and human-centric competencies, with partner firms required to align their course offerings within six months. Furthermore, new Country Accelerators are scheduled to launch in Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia, which will collectively target a significant number of additional learners. With growing participation across the program, organizers are confident the one-billion target is achievable, provided corporate financing remains stable.