IBM unveiled on October 13th a groundbreaking commitment and global plan to provide 30 million people of all ages with new skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030. To achieve this goal, IBM is announcing a clear roadmap with more than 170 new academic and industry partnerships. The effort will leverage IBM’s existing programs and career building platforms to expand access to education and in-demand technical roles.
“Talent is everywhere; training opportunities are not,” said Arvind Krishna, IBM Chairman and CEO. “This is why we must take big and bold steps to expand access to digital skills and employment opportunities so that more people – regardless of their background – can take advantage of the digital economy. Today, IBM commits to providing 30 million people with new skills by 2030. This will help democratize opportunity, fill the growing skills gap, and give new generations of workers the tools they need to build a better future for themselves and society.”
The difficulty employers worldwide face in finding skilled workers poses a significant hurdle to economic growth. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), closing the global skills gap could add US$11.5 trillion to global GDP by 2028. To help do so, according to the WEF, the public and private sectors need to collaborate on education and training that keeps pace with market demands, demographic changes, and technology progress.
A Program for Everyone
With diverse offerings and an adaptable approach, IBM’s education portfolio strives to be unique and effective, reflecting IBM’s understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work when it comes to education. IBM’s programs range from technical education for teens at brick-and-mortar public schools and universities, and extend to paid, on-site IBM internships and apprenticeships. The company’s skills and education programs also pair IBM mentorships with learners, and provide no-charge, customizable online curricula to aspiring professionals.
IBM’s plan to educate 30 million people relies on its broad combinations of programs, and includes collaborations with universities and key government entities — including employment agencies. Partnerships extend to NGOs as well, particularly those that focus on groups such as underserved youth, women, and military veterans. In general, IBM’s efforts mobilize the private sector across the globe to open and expand opportunity pathways for underrepresented and historically disadvantaged communities.
Said Martin Sundblad, Research Manager and Co-Lead, European Skills Practice at IDC, “The digital transformation has come to a point where it reaches into all processes, functions and job roles across enterprises and organizations, and the need for training becomes imperative for societies to adapt. Digital skills development, albeit in different scale and form, is now required throughout the education system, in most business functions, and within the IT professional community in order not to jeopardize the investments made. The IBM program has the size and reach that will support this transition.”
“Over the last two years, the Pro ADC Association together with IBM Romania has developed successful educational programs addressing students and teachers in Romania. Dedicated to digital education, we have combined our knowledge and experience to contribute to the development of their digital skills. The large number of participants and the high interest in the educational content on the SkillsBuild platform determined us to continue the collaboration. We will work to create attractive programs as the Otherwise School with IBM or the IBM Entrepreneurship and Freelancing Camp,” said Lucia Panea, Project Manager at the Pro Art Development and Knowledge Association.
“ Education is one of the most important pillars that contributes to the sustainable development of the society. Our program Eco Provocare provides balance between the theory and practice, enabling young people to develop their skills. Obviously, such combined approach, adapted to the Z and alpha generations, is key to a greater educational impact. Today, we look forward to starting a partnership with IBM to use online e-learning platforms and tools that facilitate self-directed learning and are correlated with the current skills gaps young people face on a labor market. Also, we contribute to the formation of their transdisciplinary competencies that are indispensable for a lifetime,” said Tiberiu Andrei, Program manager at the Future Plus Association.
Learn more about this commitment, and the stories of IBM skilling programs and participants, by going here.
