IBM will launch a massive digital upskilling drive in South Africa

IBM has announced a new massive commitment and global plan to provide new skills needed for tomorrow’s jobs to 30 million people of all ages by 2030.

To accomplish this goal, IBM has outlined a clear roadmap that includes over 170 new academic and industry partnerships. The initiative will make use of IBM’s existing programs and career development platforms to increase access to education and in-demand technical roles.

“Talent is everywhere, but training opportunities are scarce,” said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM.

“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.”

In South Africa, IBM will launch an upskilling program

In South Africa, IBM has partnered with NYDA, to bridge the digital divide for the South African youth by enhancing digital literacy and preparing them to actively succeed in the 21st century workplace with the essential skills for this disruptive era.

Faced with high youth unemployment rates in South Africa, and given that technology is transforming jobs, industries and entire economies – IBM and the NYDA will run a series of educational boot camps through NYDA’s regional offices to digitally empower youth.

The NYDA currently has programmes which it envisages would be mutually beneficial to both parties

“The country has set itself the task to take quantum leaps towards ushering in the digital economy. As digital skills are critical for future success, partnerships that will help young people to take advantage of the opportunities presented are increasingly important. Through our partnership with the National Youth Development Agency, IBM will help prepare our young people for the jobs of the future and contribute to building a workforce equipped with a new generation of skills”, says Ria Pinto, Acting GM, IBM Southern Africa.

According to IBM, South African youth are facing “extreme difficulties” because only about 24 percent of them have jobs – and over 3 million youth between the ages of 18 and 24 are unemployed. According to Statistics South Africa, youth aged 15-24 years and 25-34 years have the highest unemployment rates of any age group, at 64.4% and 42.9%, respectively, highlighting the growing need for the public and private sectors to collaborate on education and training that keeps pace with market demands, demographic changes, and technological progress.

Everyone Can Participate in This Program

IBM’s education portfolio strives to be unique and effective, with diverse offerings and an adaptable approach, reflecting IBM’s understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work in education.

IBM’s programs range from technical education for teenagers at traditional public schools and universities to paid, on-site IBM internships and apprenticeships. IBM mentorships are also paired with learners through the company’s skills and education programs, and aspiring professionals can access free, customizable online curricula.

IBM’s strategy to educate 30 million individuals is based on a wide range of initiatives and relationships with universities and major government organizations, including job placement agencies.

Partnerships also extend to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), notably those that serve underserved populations such as youth, women, and military veterans. In general, IBM’s activities mobilize the global private sector to open and expand opportunity routes for underrepresented and historically disadvantaged groups.

“Youth unemployment is a national crisis that demands urgent, innovative and coordinated solutions. Young people hold the key to transforming our economy, boosting growth and fostering creativity and innovation. They are essential to increasing productivity and improving the livelihoods of all South Africans” said Mr Waseem Carrim, NYDA CEO.

“The youth unemployment rate is over 40% according to the most recent statistics. We welcome the initiative by IBM and are proud to be a partner to the program. Estimates indicates a shortage of 60 000 digital skills in the South African economy and this program can be a catalyst for change. Effective solutions are being pioneered through this partnership through access to skills and we must therefore support and give prominence to what is working in the system, encourage innovation, and catalyse changes in the system that benefit tens of thousands of young people over the next decade,” he adds.

Learn more about this commitment, and the stories of IBM skilling programs and participants here