"Korean AI use is 1.7 times more sophisticated than the global average"... Google expands AI education

[Financial News] Google Korea is expanding practical training programs to strengthen artificial intelligence (AI) skills, which have become a key requirement in corporate hiring. As Korean workers' AI use exceeds the global average and companies increasingly prioritize AI-savvy talent, the company is stepping up efforts to nurture future talent through customized programs such as 'AI Ollim.'
Citing a report titled "Korea’s Growth and Innovation Driven by AI" released by global consulting firm Public First, Google Korea said on the 27th that the average level of AI use in Korea is 1.7 times more sophisticated than the global average.
According to the report, 40% of workers surveyed said companies prioritize candidates with AI skills during hiring. The most frequently cited essential skill for talent was the ability to use AI-based tools, at 35%. That was followed by adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies, at 21%, and strong communication and interpersonal skills, at 12%.
The report also found that stronger AI skills improve work performance. It said that using advanced prompts learned through training can cut work time by up to three times compared with using basic prompts. The productivity gain per worker from AI education was estimated at 2.3 million won to 4.7 million won a year.
As the importance of AI skills grows, interest in related training is also rising. Seventy-four percent of Korean respondents said they were interested in AI skills training. Among parents, 55% said education on safe and effective AI use for their children was as important as learning core subjects such as math and English, while 30% said it was even more important.
Through its social contribution and talent development program, 'AI Ollim,' Google supports AI education for young people, developers and companies. Under the value of "learning and growing together," it offers step-by-step training from introductory courses that help participants understand the basics of AI to advanced programs, along with both online and offline learning environments.
This year, it is running the 'Google AI Professional Certificate' program with the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL). The course covers practical skills that can be used immediately in the field, including AI strategy development, problem-solving and work automation. Google is also expanding AI education opportunities for young people through partnerships with major universities and their University Job Plus Centers, including Sookmyung Women's University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) and Hanyang Women's University.
A Google official said, "We will continue to actively support future talent so they can build practical AI skills across a wide range of fields through 'AI Ollim.'"
[email protected] Choi Hye-rim Reporter