Changzhou launches citywide AI training initiative

Changzhou, a city in Jiangsu province, has unveiled a citywide artificial intelligence training initiative aimed at reaching 1 million participants by 2028, as it seeks to position itself as a national demonstration city for AI applications and intelligent-agent technologies.

The municipal government recently issued an implementation plan for an AI night school program that calls for training across all sectors of society, covering residents of different age groups, occupations and educational backgrounds. It said the initiative is intended to broaden public access to AI knowledge and practical skills.

On Friday, the city's human resources and social security bureau released 75 AI-related courses through its official WeChat account for public enrollment. The programs include vocational upskilling, entrepreneurship training, AI literacy for children and practical applications of AI in daily life, with both free and paid options available.

The first 40 training sites have already been established across all districts and counties of the city. They are hosted in universities, vocational institutes, worker night schools, youth education programs and women's federation service stations.

The network is designed to create a "30-minute AI learning circle", allowing most residents to access training opportunities within a short commute from their homes or workplaces.

Government data released earlier this month show that 29 departments have already submitted more than 1,200 training programs, reaching an estimated 167,000 participants.