As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, questions are growing around whether young Australians are being properly equipped to navigate it responsibly and safely.
Without hands-on experience using artificial intelligence, guided by informed teachers, young Australians risk becoming passive users rather than capable creators.
According to a recent report, up to 1.3 million workers—that’s around 9 per cent of Australia’s workforce—will be affected by artificial intelligence by 2030. This shift comes alongside the creation of hundreds of thousands of new roles driven by emerging technologies.
To bridge the education gap, Day of AI Australia in partnership with UNSW Sydney, will provide a free, hands-on AI literacy program for school students and teachers across the country. The partnership enables workforce readiness by equipping students with the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience they need to thrive in an AI-powered future. The initiative aims to ensure Australia is not just a user of artificial intelligence—but a global leader in developing and ethically deploying it.
Director of Studies (Computer Science) and Co-Head of the Computing and Education research group at UNSW’s School of Computer Science and Engineering, Dr Jake Renzella, will lead a team to develop new hands-on experiences for students.
“We want to empower teachers and students with the tools and knowledge to use AI responsibly and creatively,” said Dr Renzella. “Participating in the Generative AI Accelerator will help us to build engaging, hands-on learning experiences that bring generative AI out of the abstract.”
As the only Australian recipient, the Day of AI-UNSW partnership will receive funding and technical expertise as part of Google.org’s Generative AI Accelerator program. The global initiative donates to organisations using generative artificial intelligence to address major societal challenges.
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The support will allow the team to expand their reach and co-develop new interactive artificial intelligence experiences for children that are safe, engaging, ethical and educational. It will also facilitate professional learning opportunities for teachers and boost Day of AI Australia’s device donation program for schools and students in need.
“This is about giving young Australians the opportunity to shape the AI-powered world they’re growing up in,” said Day of AI Australia Program Director, Natasha Banks. “By helping students understand what AI is, how it works, and its limitations, we’re giving them the tools to use it safely and creatively.”
Google.org Australia’s Senior Program Manager, Marie Efstathiou, said Day of AI Australia’s work alongside UNSW proves how generative artificial intelligence can be a game-changer for tackling some of our biggest social challenges.
“Their programs are about actively working towards a fairer and more innovative future for everyone,” she said. “By equipping Australian students and teachers with essential AI skills and hands-on experiences, they are directly boosting confidence and addressing the need for AI literacy in a rapidly evolving world. We are proud to support their efforts to prepare the next generation to not only understand AI, but to actively leverage it for positive change.”
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
