By Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer
In recent years, the landscape of job training has undergone a significant transformation. A collaboration initiated in 2018 aimed to create an accessible online training program that equips individuals from diverse backgrounds with the skills necessary for entry-level positions in high-demand fields. This initiative has proven to be a game-changer for many.
What started as a single IT certification has now blossomed into a comprehensive suite of nine programs, positively impacting the lives of over 1 million graduates. In the United States alone, more than 350,000 individuals have successfully completed a certification, with a remarkable 70% reporting favorable career advancements, such as promotions, new job opportunities, or salary increases.
Recently, a detailed report was released, highlighting the extensive reach and success stories of these training programs, showcasing their global impact on learners.
“Our mission has always been to ensure that the opportunities created by technology are accessible to everyone,” stated a representative from the initiative. “We take pride in the fact that our programs have empowered over one million individuals to acquire in-demand skills that enhance their career prospects. We are excited to continue collaborating with partners to help even more people achieve their economic goals.”
The latest findings from the impact report reveal how these programs are creating pathways for individuals from various backgrounds:
- 25% of participants are primary caregivers.
- 10% identify as military personnel, spouses, or veterans.
- 40% of graduates reported being unemployed or underemployed at the start of the program.
- 55% were employed full-time while pursuing their certification.
*Data derived from a survey of program graduates in the U.S., 2024
As the job market evolves, skills in AI, big data, and cybersecurity are becoming increasingly vital. Participants in these programs are gearing up for the future with popular courses that focus on these essential skills:
- Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Project Management
**Enrollment data from global learners in 2024
The job market in the U.S. is rapidly evolving, particularly with the rise of AI technologies. To address the changing demands of the workplace, all training programs now incorporate specialized AI skills along with a new series of dedicated AI courses. The course on AI Essentials emerged as the most sought-after course in 2024, with 91% of graduates feeling more confident in applying the AI skills learned to their work tasks, and 86% believing these skills will enhance their productivity.
†Refers to global graduates and the AI skills taught in the course
To further assist learners in leveraging their new skills for career advancement, all training programs now offer an optional course titled Accelerate Your Job Search with AI.