In a move aimed at bolstering the skills of Virginia's workforce and enhancing employment opportunities, Google is partnering with the administration of Governor Glenn Youngkin to provide artificial intelligence (AI) training to job seekers in the state. This initiative seeks to equip Virginians with the necessary tools to navigate the evolving job market, where AI proficiency is becoming increasingly crucial.
The partnership, which was announced on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, will offer free and low-cost AI certification courses to residents. Governor Youngkin has described the initiative as an "AI career launchpad," with the goal of connecting citizens to new jobs amidst changes to the state's economy.
Under the program, up to 10,000 Virginians can enroll in Google-sponsored AI training courses at any given time. These opportunities will be featured on a job website launched by Youngkin earlier in the year. The website also lists low-cost learning opportunities, ranging from beginner-friendly courses on AI fundamentals and practical workplace applications to bootcamps and degree programs offered by Virginia's community colleges and universities. These courses are available at no cost to Virginians. Google AI Essentials and Prompting Essentials are approximately 5-hour online training courses designed to help workers use AI effectively. Google Career Certificates can help trainees prepare for careers in high-growth fields in three to six months.
The initiative comes at a time when unemployment is rising in Virginia. Secretary of Labor George 'Bryan' Slater noted that the state has roughly 20,400 continued unemployment claims. Approximately 2,800 people initially filed unemployment claims during the first week of July 2025, about 6.1% higher than the previous week. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Virginia rose slightly to 3.1% in early 2025. While this is lower than the national average, the state's labor force has shrunk, and nonfarm payroll jobs have seen a slight decrease. A recent economic forecast indicated that Virginia's labor market is contracting, with employment expected to decline throughout 2025, which bucks the national trend. The unemployment rate in Virginia is expected to rise to its highest level since 2021. It is estimated the state could lose 32,000 jobs in 2025.
Commissioner of Virginia Works, Nicole Overley, emphasized that businesses have expressed the increasing necessity of AI proficiency in their respective industries. She believes that the AI training will equip Virginians with a competitive edge in the job market. Overley also confirmed that the training courses are being donated by Google at no cost to taxpayers. Bronagh Friel, head of partnerships at Google, conveyed Google's commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity in Virginia.
The AI training program aligns with a broader effort to address the evolving demands of the modern workforce. With AI becoming increasingly integrated into various sectors, equipping individuals with AI skills is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring economic resilience and competitiveness.
The partnership between Google and the Commonwealth of Virginia exemplifies a proactive approach to workforce development, leveraging technology and education to empower individuals and drive economic growth. By providing access to AI training, the initiative aims to create a more skilled and adaptable workforce, capable of meeting the challenges and opportunities of the future.
