IBM, a leading technology company, has recently announced the release of two new IBM SkillsBuild certificates in cybersecurity and data analytics in collaboration with community colleges. These certificates are designed to provide essential skills in artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, which is crucial for professionals to extract insights, secure critical information, drive informed decisions, and create value in today’s data-centric and security-conscious world.
According to a global study conducted by the IBM Institute of Business Value, executives estimate that implementing AI and automation will require 40% of their workforce to reskill over the next three years, especially those in entry-level positions. This highlights the urgency of creating public-private partnerships to bridge the skills gap and prepare the workforce for the future job market. Community colleges play a vital role in advancing the adoption of essential technology skills, and IBM’s new credentials aim to help learners acquire in-demand skills sought by employers in the evolving AI-enabled workplace.
The new IBM SkillsBuild certificates are structured to cater to the needs of different types of learners, including first-time degree seekers, upskillers, and career changers with varying educational backgrounds. The self-paced, experiential learning approach across all levels prepares students for potential job roles such as junior information security analyst, network security technician, data visualization specialist, and entry-level marketing analyst.
These certificates have been developed in collaboration with academic and industry experts, including Jobs for the Future (JFF) and a coalition of industry stakeholders. The coursework aligns with current employer demand, industry trends, and market expectations to maximize job opportunities for students upon completion. The endorsement from employers, banks, tech firms, and education nonprofits reaffirms the relevance and quality of these certificates in preparing students for the workforce.
Each certificate learning plan is approximately 60-65 hours in length and can be seamlessly integrated into community college curriculums. The American Council on Education (ACE) has conducted a Learning Evaluation Review, recommending 12 credits for the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Certificate and 8 credits for the IBM SkillsBuild Data Analytics Certificate, which align with CompTIA SEC+ certification topics and skills recognized by potential employers.
The success of the pilot programs in Alabama, Colorado, California, and Louisiana in 2023 has demonstrated the effectiveness of these certificates in preparing students for high-demand tech jobs. Governor Polis of Colorado expressed his enthusiasm for these new certificates, emphasizing their role in equipping Coloradans with essential skills for AI, cybersecurity, and other innovative tech sectors. The collaboration between IBM and community colleges like Diablo Valley College, Front Range Community College, and Baton Rouge Community College has proven instrumental in providing students with valuable skills and job opportunities in cybersecurity and data analytics.
IBM’s commitment to providing 30 million people with new skills by 2030 aligns with its innovative skills-first approach, aiming to address the evolving needs of the job market. Community colleges interested in offering these career certificates to their students can access more information on IBM’s website.
In conclusion, IBM’s collaboration with community colleges to introduce new certificates in cybersecurity and data analytics signifies a significant step towards addressing the skills gap and preparing the workforce for the technology-driven future. These certificates offer learners valuable skills, recognized by employers, and pave the way for exciting career opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics.