IBM announced the launch of Open P-TECH, a free digital education platform focused on workplace learning and digital skills.
The platform equips 14-20-year old learners and educators with foundational technology competencies. It offers content in English, Portuguese and Spanish.
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 program making them available to more students. 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.
IBM is offering online webinars on a variety of workplace topics, along with activities that students can engage in over the summer.
Initially launched across Australia, Brazil, India and the United States, 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 Brazil, for example, Bradesco will be deploying Open P-TECH to more than 9,000 high school students, making the program available for those most in need.
In addition to Open P-TECH, the company’s efforts to expand the pipeline for technology jobs include:
The IBM Tech Re-Entry Program is 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 program 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 is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor, includes a 12-24 month program that pairs apprentices with an IBM mentor to work on actual IBM projects in fastest-growing fields, such as cybersecurity, mainframe administration and software development.
