News
Key Takeaways
- Free AI skills course. Google and Goodwill introduce AI Essentials training across North America.
- Broad access. The program targets 200,000 job seekers, community members and Goodwill clients.
- Workforce upskilling. The initiative helps participants gain AI knowledge critical for today’s job market.
Goodwill Industries International and Google have announced a joint initiative to offer free AI training to 200,000 individuals across the United States and Canada. As of July 30, 2025, the Google AI Essentials course will be made available at no cost through Goodwill’s expansive network of over 3,300 locations.
This effort builds on a long-standing partnership between the two organizations that has already helped place more than 400,000 Americans into well-paying jobs since 2017. The new training program focuses on foundational artificial intelligence skills, preparing workers for jobs in an economy rapidly transformed by AI.
Table of Contents
- Who Will Benefit From AI Essentials Training?
- Why AI Literacy Is Now Essential for the Workforce
- Goodwill’s Reach and Role in Digital Workforce Training
- What the AI Essentials Course Offers
- About Goodwill Industries International
Who Will Benefit From AI Essentials Training?
The AI Essentials course is designed to make AI skills training accessible to a wide range of individuals, especially those seeking to improve their employment prospects.
Ideal candidates for the free AI course include:
- Job seekers across industries: Whether transitioning careers, reentering the workforce or looking for upward mobility, participants will gain practical AI knowledge that’s becoming essential in roles ranging from administrative support to marketing and operations.
- Individuals with limited access to digital education: The free course structure and Goodwill’s community-based delivery model ensure that people in underserved or rural areas can acquire in-demand digital skills without cost barriers.
- Goodwill career services clients: Those already enrolled in Goodwill’s workforce development programs — including veterans, people with disabilities and individuals overcoming employment barriers — can integrate AI training into their existing upskilling.
- Students and early-career professionals: For those just entering the workforce, the AI certification can serve as a resume booster, showcasing AI literacy and initiative to potential employers.
Related Article: 10 Top Generative AI Certifications
Why AI Literacy Is Now Essential for the Workforce
AI literacy has become one of the most critical workplace skills of our time. In 2025, the global AI market exceeded $244 billion, driven by broader adoption and improved accessibility. A recent Gallup report found that 45% of employees saw improved productivity after integrating AI tools into their work.
Leading companies like KPMG and Infosys have responded by investing in workforce AI education, launching large-scale AI training programs and innovation hubs. These initiatives teach core concepts like responsible AI use, tool proficiency and AI ethics — equipping employees to thrive alongside intelligent systems.
“AI literacy” is no longer confined to technical teams. Experts emphasize its growing importance across all departments and job levels as businesses build human-AI collaboration models for the future of work.
Goodwill’s Reach and Role in Digital Workforce Training
Goodwill has prioritized digital skills development for nearly a decade. Its Digital Career Accelerator has placed over 400,000 people into strong career paths since 2017. With 80% of Americans living within 10 miles of a Goodwill location, the organization is uniquely positioned to bring free AI training to underserved communities at scale.
"At Goodwill, we believe that providing the right skills to people opens doors to opportunity. AI is transforming the workplace, and thanks to support from Google.org, we're ensuring that individuals can gain the essential knowledge needed to thrive in this digital era."
- Steve Preston
President & CEO, Goodwill Industries International
What the AI Essentials Course Offers
| AI Course Offering | Description |
|---|---|
| Practical AI Application | Under 10-hour course with hands-on generative AI experience |
| Broad Skill Applicability | Skills useful across multiple industries and job functions |
| Google Certification | Shareable certificate awarded upon course completion |
| Free Accessibility | Available at no cost to those eligible |
| Proven Effectiveness | 86% of graduates report improved productivity at work |
Related Article: 10 Top AI Certifications for Pros Without Technical Backgrounds
About Goodwill Industries International
Founded in 1902, Goodwill is a nonprofit organization focused on workforce development and community-based support. It operates a network of thrift stores, using proceeds to fund employment training, career counseling and support services for job seekers.
Goodwill targets a wide range of individuals, including those facing economic hardship, disabilities or barriers to reentering the workforce. Through partnerships with employers and community agencies, it facilitates long-term economic mobility.
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With a strong retail footprint and a mission centered on digital workforce transformation, Goodwill is recognized as a leading nonprofit driving inclusive access to job skills training.
Interested in the free AI training? Find the Google AI Essentials certification program here.
