IBM unveiled 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 programmes 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 democratise 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.”
“This announcement is a clear demonstration of IBM’s longstanding commitment to build the digital skills of the new generations to align with the current trends and remain relevant in today’s dynamic environment” said Wael Abdoush, General Manager, IBM Egypt “One of our top priorities in Egypt is empowering youth with the right new skills and equipping them with the necessary tools through availing our programmes and platforms to support the ongoing digital transformation journey in the country” added Abdoush.
The difficulty employers worldwide face in finding skilled workers poses a significant hurdle to economic growth. According to the World Economic Forum, closing the global skills gap could add US$11.5 trillion to global GDP by 2028, but education and training systems would need to keep pace with market demands. 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.
Examples include:
In Egypt, in addition to the existing partners we have like Sonaa Al Khair, IBM will establish a new partnership with Education For Employment-Egypt (EFE-Egypt) to offer training on the IBM Skills Build platform to successfully upskill, reskill, and best prepare the workforce for the future of work.
“Our collaboration with IBM is a great opportunity for us to build the skills of new generations in Egypt by leveraging programs like Skills Build and help to equip youth with the technology and innovation skills in AI, Cloud, Cybersecurity and prepare them for the new job markets’ requirements”, said by Ms. Nora Abou El Seoud, EFE-Egypt CEO
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 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.”
