Learn genAI skills for the real-world in learning paths from Google

Most organizations do not feel prepared for the AI era, with 62% indicating a lack of expertise to fully unlock AI’s potential. As the leader of learning for Google Cloud, the only surprising aspect of this statistic is its relatively low figure. Daily interactions with customers reveal that 100% of them identify some form of AI skills gap.

Beyond the Basics: Learn genAI skills with the latest learning paths from Google Cloud

The positive news is that developers, machine learning engineers, and data experts are highly valuable in this landscape. These professionals possess the talent organizations seek; however, the rapid advancements in AI require them to remain on the cutting edge. A 2024 survey estimated that approximately 70% of AI talent needs to update their skills. Unfortunately, many technical professionals lack the training necessary to transition from theory to practical application and integrate AI into their daily work.

To address this, Google has recently announced new generative AI learning offerings through Google Cloud Skills Boost. Four new learning paths have been introduced to equip developers with practical generative AI skills for building applications, managing and securing machine learning models, generating impactful content, and analyzing data effectively. These in-depth courses guide participants in building proficiency and ultimately testing their skills in a real-world challenge lab.

Gaining practical experience with generative AI use cases

Generative AI holds significant potential, but realizing its value in real-world applications requires practical experience and technical knowledge. The new learning paths from Google Cloud, outlined below, provide essential generative AI skills to enhance work in current roles, such as improving customer experience or team productivity. These skills can also create new career and promotion opportunities. Upon completing the hands-on training, participants will earn a skill badge to highlight their expertise on resumes or social media profiles:

1. Learning Path: Build and Modernize Applications with Generative AI
   Participants will learn to enhance projects and develop end-to-end applications on Google Cloud using generative AI. This path covers essential techniques and tools for seamlessly integrating generative AI capabilities into the development workflow.

2. Learning Path: Integrate Generative AI into Your Data Workflow
   This path teaches participants to utilize BigQuery Machine Learning for inference, collaborate directly with Gemini models in BigQuery, and boost the efficiency of their data teams with Gemini's assistance. It includes a new course on increasing productivity with Gemini in BigQuery to support the data-to-AI pipeline.

3. Learning Path: Deploy and Manage Generative AI Models
   Participants will learn to manage the full lifecycle of generative AI models, covering everything from development and deployment to monitoring, with introductions to responsible AI for developers. This path features a new course on security for AI models.

4. Learning Path: Generate Smarter Generative AI Outputs
   This path focuses on building applications that create text and visual content using generative AI. Participants will develop an AI project on Google Cloud, use diffusion models for image generation, build search applications with Vector Search and embeddings, and explore multimodal prompts and Multimodal RAG with Gemini.

What is a learning path and how to get started?

A learning path comprises a series of learning activities, including courses, hands-on labs, and skill badges. To gain full access to this content at no cost, individuals can join the Innovators community. It is recommended to complete one learning path per month, or more if desired. Alternatively, participants can browse collections for the most relevant skills.

Innovators get full, no-cost access to generative AI learning paths

Last year, it was announced that every member of the Google Cloud Innovators community—Google's no-cost developer program—receives 35 unrestricted learning credits each month for courses and labs in Google Cloud Skills Boost. This allocation is sufficient to complete one of the new learning paths every month. Interested individuals are encouraged to join the Innovators program to activate their credits and begin learning!

Innovators also enjoy exclusive learning opportunities, such as the latest challenge, AI Skills Quest, where participants can engage in hands-on labs and earn skill AI badges alongside peers with similar interests.

The latest generative AI learning content—From security to productivity

While participating in the Innovators community, individuals can explore the latest learning resources. The new learning paths feature three brand-new courses in security, data analytics, and agent building—now available in Google Cloud Skills Boost:

1. Course: Introduction to Security in the World of AI
   This course helps security engineers, IT leaders, AI developers, and non-technical leaders establish a foundational understanding of Google’s approach to navigating the intersection of AI and security.

2. Course: Boost Productivity with Gemini in BigQuery
   This course accelerates the data-to-AI pipeline, enabling participants to write better code and visualize workflows easily with Gemini in BigQuery. It equips individuals and teams with practical skills to enhance productivity and maximize the potential of their data.

3. Course: Build Generative AI Agents with Vertex AI and Flutter
   Designed for both seasoned app developers and beginners, this course teaches participants to create intelligent chat agents and engaging, interactive experiences through generative AI.