Santander and Google have taken note of the growing surge in AI adoption across various economic sectors and across a broad spectrum of age demographics.
Artificial Intelligence is nothing new, having been around in some form for many decades and with particular enthusiasm found in the finance, technology and computing sectors.
However, its development and potential has accelerated rapidly in recent years. It can now be expected that the younger generations, Gen Z and below, will see AI take on an even more prominent role in their lives, including economic and working lives.
Santander and Google, two major stakeholders in banking and technology respectively, seem to be taking note of AI’s growing role with a new partnership. The partnership centres around the launch of a new course, Santander | Google: Artificial Intelligence and Productivity, which is free for anyone aged 18 or over.
Explaining the background to the course, Rafael Hernández, Global Head of Santander Universities, asserted that “there’s absolutely no doubt that AI is revolutionising our day to day, especially at the workplace and in the creation of new job opportunities and roles”.
“This course provides valuable tools to boost job skills and generate greater competitiveness and seamless adaptation to the current and future demands of the job market,” he added.
The course is open on the Santander Open Academy Platform in English, Spanish and Portuguese, focusing on AI’s potential at home and at work. The duo aim to assist participants with developing skill sets to automate tasks, come up with ideas and solve problems.
Content is structured around three core skill areas – AI basics, developing an understanding of basic AI principles; practical AI apps, looking at how AI tools like Google’s Gemini can be used to maximise productivity; and effective commands, developing the ability to give clear, precise commands.
Santander’s interest in AI development comes as no surprise, the vast majority of major banks taking note of AI’s potential for automating and increasing the efficiency of tasks, as well as its standing as an investment opportunity.
Google’s participation in the course should add some credibility and clout, with the global tech giant having been one of the biggest drivers of AI development alongside the likes of Meta, Microsoft and OpenAI.
Covadonga Soto, Head of Marketing for Spain and Portugal at Google, added: “We are very happy to partner with Banco Santander to offer this free AI course open to everyone, everywhere.
“This partnership showcases our shared commitment to levelling the playing field in AI education and empowering people with the skills they need to get ahead in the digital age.
“We believe that only by making AI knowledge and skills accessible to everyone can we unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth”.
