IBM commits to skill 30 million people globally by 2030

• The company announces more than 170 new partnerships and program expansions in more than 30 countries across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa. 
• In Thailand, IBM is announcing partnerships with four schools 

IBM (NYSE: 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 programs 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 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.” 

The difficulty employers worldwide face in finding skilled workers poses a significant hurdle to economic growth. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), closing the global skills gap could add US$11.5 trillion to global GDP by 2028. 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.  

In Thailand, IBM will continue to support the country’s mission for integrative, experiential learning and development of skills and expertise that match business sector needs with the Ministry of Education (MoE) through 5-year P-TECH education program for vocational students. To date, under the collaboration with four vocational schools: Thonburi Vocational College, Pathumthani Vocational College, Intrachai Commercial College and Nakhon Ratchasima Technical College, 206 students have joined the program and are benefiting from multifaceted support from the industry partners, including mentorship, worksite visits, skills-based and paid internships and a variety of study all designed to support the development and growth of students, academically and professionally.

“IBM, the Ministry of Education, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission and our industry partners including Advanced Info Service PCL (AIS), Minor International PCL and Seagate Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd., have worked together in an effort to help ease country’s shortages in the information technology (IT) and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce, while also enhancing academic excellence, and preparing students with the right mix of skills for the future,” said Patama Chantaruck, VP for Indochina Expansion and Managing Director of IBM Thailand. "We look forward to continuing our partnership with all industry and educational partners to contribute to growing a skilled workforce that is ready to support Thailand’s increasingly digitized economy."