IBM expands tech training network with 45 new partnerships
In an effort to increase access to tech careers, IBM on Tuesday announced 45 new and enhanced partnerships with education partners around the world.
IBM leaders said the expansion will enable more adult learners, high school and college students to access IT training through IBM’s Skills Build platform.
“There are many misconceptions about what’s needed to pursue a rewarding and lucrative career in today’s rapidly advancing workplace,” Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM’s chief impact officer, said in a press release.
“Together with our IBM SkillsBuild partners, we’re highlighting the many pathways that exist for underrepresented communities to pursue futures in tech,” Nixon-Saintil said.
The courses include cybersecurity, data analysis and cloud computing. They’re available online for free through IBM’s platform, and official education partners also get access to workshops, project-based learning, hands-on support and career opportunities.
In the U.S., IBM SkillsBuild partners include the University of the Cumberlands, Vanderbilt University and the nonprofit Digital Promise, among others.
Expensive training
IBM and Morning Consult also published the results of a global study this week that found the major barriers to students pursuing tech training are a lack of awareness of available opportunities and concerns that courses will be too expensive.
American survey respondents were found to have the greatest awareness of STEM jobs and training opportunities globally, the study found. Among respondents who classified themselves as students, job seekers or career changes, a majority said they didn’t feel qualified to work in a STEM job because they don’t have the right academic degree, or noted that there aren’t many STEM job opportunities in their communities.
