IBM today announced a global landmark initiative with plan to furnish 30 million people of all age groups with innovative skills necessary to secure jobs of tomorrow by 2030.
In executing this plan, IBM will engage 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.
IBM Chairman and CEO, Arvind Krishna, said, “Talent is everywhere; training opportunities are not, 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.
IBM’s offerings are 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.
The company plans to educate 30 million people, a plan that rests on its broad combinations of programs and includes collaborations with universities and key government entities — including employment agencies.
Martin Sundblad, Research Manager and Co-Lead, European Skills Practice at IDC, said, “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 scales and forms, 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.”
