Australia is gearing up for an AI-powered future, with a little help from a new AI literacy program from Code for Schools and Amazon Web Services
Almost 40% of Australian businesses say a lack of AI talent is holding them back, according to an upcoming study from Amazon Web Services (AWS). With up to 200,000 new AI-related jobs projected by 2030, this skills gap threatens to stall Australia’s growth. So how can students get the education advantage they need?
Code for Schools and AWS has just annouced Australia’s first locally developed AI literacy program designed for students, teachers, parents and carers. The initiative aims to reach one million students over three years. It will equip young Australians with the knowledge and confidence to use AI safely, responsibly and creatively.
“Working with a technology partner like AWS gives us access to the technical expertise and years of experience in responsible AI that we need to create a holistic AI education program. It’s that technical enablement piece that enables us to deliver a locally developed program,” says Megan Woff, CEO of Code for Schools.
What’s in the box?
The AI literacy program will feature curriculum-aligned, age-appropriate content for K–12 classrooms across all of Australia’s schools.
The program includes:
- Ethical foundations – understanding AI and how to use it safely and responsibly.
- Hands-on skills – exploring real AI tools and services.
- Industry insights – case studies of AI across different sectors.
- Critical thinking – solving real-world challenges using AI.
For teachers, the program offers professional learning opportunities and classroom resources to support AI adoption. “Students just want to know more about AI, and parents want their children to be equipped with the relevant technology skills for the ever-changing future job market,” says Fiona Donnelly, Head Teacher of Innovation at Granville Boys High School, who believes the program will be important for young people to develop skills in emerging technologies.
Parents and carers will gain resources to help them understand and talk about AI at home. “The pace of AI technology is nothing we’ve seen before. If we don’t embrace it, we risk leaving our children behind, especially as many of them are ready to take that important step into their careers,” says Anita Thompson, parent of a 16-year-old Sutherland Shire student. “It’s important to me as a parent that I can be part of this evolving conversation on AI, so that even at home, I can continue to support [my son’s] learning and talk to him about how he’s using AI tools in the right ways.”
Teachers and students from pilot schools will co-design the program, with their feedback shaping every step.
Keep your eyes peeled for the program, which will roll out across Australia in Term 1 2026!
