Our mission
Helping people prepare for the changing world of work.
The pace of digital acceleration and the demand for core technical and professional skills continue to intensify. At IBM, we believe that learners at all stages of the employment continuum need access to the skills that will allow them to compete in an ever-evolving economy. IBM has been committed to closing the gap for students, job seekers, and the organizations that support them through our programs and platforms for decades.
IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program focused on underrepresented communities that helps adult learners, high school and university students, and faculty develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an online platform complemented by customized practical learning experiences that aim to respond to learners’ needs as they progress through their education and career journeys. This effort is in collaboration with a network of world-class education partners, including public high schools, non-profit organizations, governments, and corporations.
There are over 1,000 courses on IBM SkillsBuild, including topics for cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and many other technical disciplines. The online learning platform also includes courses on workplace skills such as Design Thinking.
The customized practical learning experiences can include:
- Project-based learning: Learners can apply their new skills through practical exercises, including labs using IBM technology.
- Insights from IBM Mentors: Experts meet with learners on real-world projects designed to impart practical technical, business, and collaboration skills.
- Premium content: Online courses are available in 22 languages and provide access to the same certifications that IBM employees earn when completing continuing education coursework.
- Connection to career opportunities: Access to in-person job fairs, workshops and seminars on professional competencies, referrals for job interviews, creation of professional portfolios, and internships.
Most importantly, IBM SkillsBuild learners can earn IBM-branded digital credentials recognized by the market. Digital credentials from IBM SkillsBuild are secure, web-enabled credentials that contain granular, verified information that employers can use to validate an individual’s potential.
IBM SkillsBuild operates in 168 countries and has supported over two million learners to date.
The IBM Skillsbuild platform has been the main engine to start my career in cybersecurity. It is where I have gained confidence and motivation to pursue my dream career, focusing on improving my strengths and overcoming any barriers faced when inserting myself in this industry.”
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