PRESS RELEASE

WASHINGTON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled two new IBM SkillsBuild certificates in cybersecurity and data analytics, tested and designed with community colleges. These new IBM SkillsBuild certificates will be available this fall to students from the Alabama Community College System, Bay Area Community College Consortium, Colorado Community College System, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System.

Cybersecurity and data analytics skills are essential for artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, enabling professionals to gain insights, secure critical information, make informed decisions and create value across industries in an increasingly data-centric and security-conscious world. According to a global study conducted by 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, primarily those in entry-level positions. This underscores the importance of creating public-private partnerships to close the skills gap.

“Community colleges play a critical role in advancing the adoption of essential technology skills for the workforce,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President for Global Education and Workforce Development, IBM Corporate Social Responsibility. “With these new credentials, IBM is helping students gain the in-demand skills employers are seeking in a new AI-enabled workplace.”

The certificates are designed to meet the needs of students and are developed with academic and industry experts. Community college programs can integrate them into existing curricula so students can earn college credit.

The following courses are required for the new IBM SkillsBuild certificates:

IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Certificate: governance, risk, compliance and data privacy, vulnerability management, system and network security, cloud security, security operations management, and incident response and system forensics.

IBM SkillsBuild Data Analytics Certificate: data classification, data usability for organizations, inferential and descriptive statistics, data collection and analysis, data preparation for analysis, and data visualization and presentation.

In addition, students will have access to IBM SkillsBuild, including other qualifications and over 1,000 free courses on topics such as AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing and workplace skills.

The new certificates were successfully tested in 2023 with students in Alabama, Colorado, California and Louisiana.

“I am excited that the Colorado Community College System, in partnership with IBM, is launching two new certificates in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics that build on Colorado’s efforts to develop its workforce and connect Coloradans with the skills they need to fill in-demand, high-paying jobs in the innovative industries of the future. Colorado students will now have more opportunities to gain critical skills for AI, innovative technology, cybersecurity jobs and more,” said Governor Polis.

“Alabama “A community college partnered with IBM to pilot the Cybersecurity Certificate because there is a significant need for entry-level, competency-based credentials that help students choose a career in IT,” said Dr. Courtney MonetteDirector of the Special Programs Project, Alabama Community College System. “In 2021, Alabama have adopted a skills-based workforce training program called Mobilizing Alabama Pathways (MAPs), which provides new and returning adult education and vocational students the opportunity to earn a certification, such as the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity or Data Analytics certificate, to build confidence and core workforce skills for all high-demand, high-paying occupations.”

“Using the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity credential for my two Cybersecurity Fundamentals courses I took at Diablo Valley College “during the past fall and spring semesters, it proved to be a rewarding experience for the participating students, for me, and for the university,” said Richard GrotegutFaculty of Computer Network Technology at Diablo Valley Collegea part of the Contra Costa Community College District and member of the Bay Area Community College Consortium. “It validated the college’s decision to offer the course as part of their academic offerings beginning in the upcoming school year. The qualification proved to be a very good introduction to entry-level cybersecurity. While most participants improved their academic qualifications and went on to further education, several of the course’s “career changers” used their success in the class to find employment in technical support positions with local companies. The rich course content and approach, with a strong focus on oral and written communication skills, was a key factor in building the confidence that helped students land those jobs.”

“Front Range Community College is pleased to be selected as one of four colleges in the country collaborating to design and launch the new IBM SkillsBuild data analytics certification,” said Colleen SimpsonEdD, Front Range Community College President. “This partnership with renowned technology leader IBM provides our students with the opportunity to develop critical skills in this rapidly growing field.”

“Baton Rouge Community College was excited to partner with IBM on the pilot of this initiative last year,” said Dr. BRCC Chancellor. Willie E. Smith“We look forward to continuing this collaboration and working with IBM to expand the initiative and offer it to Louisiana citizens by the Louisiana community and Technical College System. Through this partnership, we demonstrate a commitment to equipping our residents with the skills and hands-on experience needed to excel in the highly sought-after fields of cybersecurity and data analytics. Together, we are paving the way for Louisiana to grow into a national leader in these fast-growing sectors, so that our talent is prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”

“In an increasingly dynamic economy shaped by rapidly evolving technology, employers, learners and workers need flexible and reliable ways to acquire and validate skills that will lead to the high-quality jobs of the future,” said Joel VargasVice President of JFF’s Education Practice. “JFF is proud to partner with IBM and these innovative colleges to lead the charge in creating scalable solutions to meet this growing need.”

IBM’s partnership with community colleges is a key part of the company’s groundbreaking skills-first approach and part of IBM’s commitment to provide 30 million people with new skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030.

Community colleges interested in offering these professional certificates to their students can find more information here: https://skillsbuild.org/college-students/college-certificates.

About IBM SkillsBuild

Building IBM skills is a free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. Through the program, IBM supports adult learners, high school and college students and educators to develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an online platform that is complemented by customized, hands-on learning experiences delivered in collaboration with a global network of partners.

IBM SkillsBuild is an open online platform offering more than 1,000 courses in 20 languages ​​across AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing and many other technical disciplines, as well as workplace skills such as design thinking. Participants can earn IBM-branded digital credentials that are recognized by the market.

The enhanced version of IBM SkillsBuild can also include workshops, expert discussions with IBM coaches and mentors, project-based learning, access to IBM software, specialized support from partners during the learning process, and connections to career opportunities. Visit skillsbuild.org to find out more.