Vilnius, Lithuania,June 18: Talents For Tech, an organization set to empower careers through mentorship programs and career guidance, announced it will lead a major regional AI upskilling initiative supported by Google.org as part of AI Works for Europe and the AI Opportunity Fund. With more than $2.7 million (€2.3 million) in funding, the program will help thousands of people across Central and Eastern Europe build practical AI skills and prepare for the future of work.
Through this initiative, Talents For Tech will train at least 11,000 people across seven countries: Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Poland. The program focuses on expanding what people can do with AI, equipping workers in fast-changing fields: routine administrative, clerical, and cognitive roles, such as customer service, call centre operations, sales support roles, basic finance and accounting (e.g. bookkeeping, payroll), logistics coordination, junior marketing positions, and others.
As AI reshapes workplaces across CEE, the skills needed to use it effectively require more than knowing how to write a prompt. According to IPSOS research, workers need a broad mix of capabilities to truly benefit from AI, from data analysis and cybersecurity to change management and responsible AI use. Most employers, particularly smaller ones, simply don’t have the resources to train their entire workforce adequately.
The Digital Coalition report on AI challenges in CEE supports that by highlighting a lack of competence as one of the key barriers to AI adoption across the region.
Generative AI could boost CEE’s annual GDP by €90-100 billion if widespread adoption is achieved.
As AI transforms workplaces across Europe, many workers still lack access to the training needed to adapt. Talents For Tech was selected to lead this regional effort because of its mission to create inclusive pathways into the digital economy and ensure that technological progress benefits more people.
“This initiative is not only about learning new tools. It is about helping people stay competitive, improving economic resilience, and making sure the benefits of AI are shared across the region,” said Jarune Preiksaite, CEO of Talents For Tech.
“At the moment, too many people risk being left behind simply because they have not had the opportunity to learn. With Google.org’s support, we can now open practical and accessible pathways for thousands of people across Central and Eastern Europe to build confidence with AI and use it in their careers.”
The learning program will be built around practical, Google’s real-world application of AI tools, delivered through Coursera, and backed by a supportive community and networking opportunities across countries.
“AI is not just changing the nature of work; it is redefining what it means to be workforce-ready. By equipping our workforce with practical AI skills today, we aren’t just filling current job openings—we are unlocking a massive wave of economic productivity and ensuring that no worker is left behind in the digital economy,” said Liza Ateh, Head of Google.org EMEA.
Talents For Tech will coordinate the initiative across all participating markets, managing strategic direction, shared communications, and central infrastructure. Local partner organizations in each country will support learner outreach, recruitment, and delivery tailored to local workforce needs.
The program will run until January 31, 2028, and is designed to create a lasting impact by improving employability, supporting career transitions, and strengthening digital inclusion.
By working with trusted local partners under one regional framework, Talents For Tech aims to create a scalable model for AI workforce development across Europe.
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