IBM launches Open P-TECH education platform globally

At its Think Digital conference on May 6, IBM launched Open P-TECH, a free digital education platform focused on workplace learning and digital skills. The move is in line with IBM's conviction that companies bringing advanced technologies to market have a responsibility to prepare students and workers for the way those technologies will shape jobs and the nature of our work.

The new platform, building on the P-TECH programme, equips learners and educators with foundational technology competencies. Training in technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and cybersecurity, along with professional skills, like design thinking that are highly valued in the market set Open P-TECH apart, IBM said.

"As the pandemic accelerates digital transformation, new ways of learning must keep pace if we are to equip all young people with skills relevant to the digital era and marketplace," said Ginni Rometty, IBM Executive Chairman.

"On the one hand, this is a massive challenge; on the other, this presents a great opportunity to better prepare people for new collar careers. Open P-TECH is a free platform designed to provide relevant workplace skills to anyone in the world so they can be successful in this digital era."

First launched by IBM in 2011, the P-TECH (pathways to technology early college high school) model has been adopted in 220 schools across 24 countries with over 150,000 students and 600 corporate partners. Open P-TECH scales the most essential workplace preparation elements of the P-TECH programme, making them available to more students than ever before.

Open P-TECH provides modules for students and teachers that include courses on emerging technologies and courses on professional competencies, both leading to free digital badges that students can share on their online resumes. Using the platform, students preparing for internships and new collar jobs earn the same badges as professionals in the field.

In tandem with this, IBM is offering online webinars on a variety of workplace topics, along with activities that students can engage in over the summer (Q2-Q320). Initially launched across Australia and India in the Asia Pacific region, Open P-TECH will bring components of the P-TECH model to 250,000 additional students in these countries, many of whom would otherwise not have access to innovative digital learning.

In addition to Open P-TECH, the company's efforts to expand the pipeline for technology jobs include:

The IBM Tech Re-Entry Program, a paid returnship for technical professionals who have been out of the workforce for at least 24 months and are looking to re-enter the workforce. The programme provides participants training, access to tools and technology, mentorship, and work assignments on technical projects that are matched to their expertise.

The IBM Apprenticeship Program, which includes a 12-24 month programme that pairs apprentices with an IBM mentor to work on actual IBM projects in technology's fastest-growing fields, such as cybersecurity, mainframe administration and software development.

Details:

Open P-TECH is now available to students and teachers worldwide. Register.