# Verizon Launches $70M AI Training Program

> Verizon's $70 million AI skills initiative aims to close the workforce gap with free training for Americans.
- Title: Verizon Launches $70M AI Training Program · Pymnts | Shortify
- Summary: Verizon's $70 million AI skills initiative aims to close the workforce gap with free training for Americans. Verizon partners with major tech firms to…
- Keywords: verizon, ai training, skills gap, small businesses, workforce transition, labor shortage, anthropic, coursera, google, ibm, microsoft, openai
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/verizon-targets-ai-skills-gap-with-70-million-training-initiative
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-09-23T17:49:31+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: verizon, ai training, skills gap, small businesses, workforce transition, labor shortage, anthropic, coursera, google, ibm, microsoft, openai
## Verizon's AI Training
Verizon launches $70 million AI skills program for workers and businesses.
## Who Benefits
Job seekers, small businesses, and displaced workers get free AI training.
## CEO Statement
AI reshapes every workforce globally, says Verizon CEO.
## Funding Details
Combines $20m existing fund with $50m new funding for free AI training.
## Partner Resources
Free access to AI training from Anthropic, Coursera, Google, IBM, Microsoft, and OpenAI.
## Labor Shortage Alert
WorkWhile reports 22% job demand increase due to labor shortages.
## Key takeaway

Verizon partners with major tech firms to provide free AI training to 20 million workers and businesses, addressing the skills gap in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.