IBM to Train 30 Million People Globally in Tech Skills by 2030

• By Rhea Kelly
• 10/18/21

IBM is setting out to provide 30 million people all over the world with job skills in technology fields by 2030. The company has announced more than 170 new academic and industry partnerships to achieve its goal, working with institutions to utilize IBM's programs and career-building platforms to expand access in areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, analytics, cloud, cybersecurity and more.

"Talent is everywhere; training opportunities are not," said Arvind Krishna, IBM chairman and CEO, in a statement announcing the program launch. "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."

As part of its plan, IBM will partner with a variety of organizations, including universities, government entities, employment agencies, NGOs and more, with a particular focus on under-represented groups such as underserved youth, historically disadvantaged communities, women and military veterans. Its programs will range from technical education for teens at public schools and universities, all the way to paid IBM internships and apprenticeships. Examples around the globe include:

• Expanded partnerships with Workforce Development, Inc., the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and Opportunity Hub, offering training on the IBM SkillsBuild platform (United States);
• Collaborations with Haryana State Board of Technical Education and Uttar Pradesh State Council of Educational Research and Training, to provide skills training to youth (India);
• Partnerships with Osaka Municipal Government and Osaka Roudo Kyokai, using the SkillsBuild for Job Seekers platform to help learners gain the skills for tech-related jobs (Japan);
• A partnership with Junior Achievement Americas, providing IBM SkillsBuild and IBM mentors to help train women for web development and programming careers (Latin America);
• A partnership with Agencia para el Empleo del Ayuntamiento de Madrid (Madrid Council Employment Agency) using IBM SkillsBuild to provide unemployed learners with technical and professional skills;
• A partnership with vocational and professional education and training provider Vocational Training Council, using IBM SkillsBuild to teach core tech-related skills (Hong Kong);
• A partnership with Coca-Cola HBC focused on workplace readiness and interpersonal skills for youth (Nigeria); and
• A collaboration with War Child, providing STEM skills for women who have escaped war (Sweden).

"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," noted Martin Sundblad, research manager and co-lead, European Skills Practice at research firm IDC, in a statement. "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."

For more information, visit the IBM site.