New IBM Skills Build Cybersecurity and Data Analytics Certificates Deployed in Community College Systems Across Alabama, California Bay Area, Colorado, and Louisiana
IBM has announced the launch of two new IBM Skills Build certificates in cybersecurity and data analytics, developed in collaboration with community colleges. These certificates will be available this fall to students in the Alabama Community College System, Bay Area Community College Consortium, Colorado Community College System, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System.
Cybersecurity and data analytics skills are critical for the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), enabling professionals to extract insights, secure vital information, make informed decisions, and create value across industries. According to a study by the IBM Institute of Business Value, executives estimate that AI and automation will necessitate reskilling 40% of their workforce over the next three years, primarily those in entry-level positions. This highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in bridging the skills gap.
IBM Skills
IBM has launched new cybersecurity and data analytics certificates through its SkillsBuild program. Developed in collaboration with community colleges, these programs offer students hands-on training in in-demand fields. Aiming to address the growing skills gap, these certificates provide learners with industry-relevant skills, preparing them for cybersecurity and data analytics careers. The programs will be available to students in Alabama, California Bay Area, Colorado, and Louisiana starting this fall.
For the latest updates on skills training initiatives, visit the Benazir Kafaalat Program page.
The Importance of Community Colleges in Technology Skill Adoption
“Community colleges play a crucial role in advancing essential technology skills for the workforce,” said Lydia Logan, Vice President for Global Education and Workforce Development, IBM Corporate Social Responsibility. “With these new credentials, IBM is helping learners gain the in-demand skills employers seek in a new AI-enabled workplace.”
The certificates are designed to meet the needs of learners and have been developed with academic and industry experts. Community college programs can integrate them into existing curriculums for students to earn credits.
For insights into the impact of technology on education, read more about Ehsaas Program’s latest updates.
Accessible to a Diverse Range of Learners
These certificates are accessible for first-time degree seekers, upskillers, or career changers who hold a high school degree, GED, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in a non-technical field. Self-paced, experiential learning across all levels effectively prepares learners for potential job opportunities such as junior information security analyst, network security technician, data visualization specialist, and entry-level marketing analyst.
For information on financial assistance, visit the Ehsaas Taleemi Wazaif page.
Collaboration with Academic and Industry Experts
Jobs for the Future (JFF) and a coalition of industry experts contributed to and validated the new competency-based IBM SkillsBuild certificates to align coursework and learnings with current employer demand and trends in the market to maximize job opportunities for students upon completion. Experts included representatives from employers, including banks and tech firms, as well as schools and education nonprofits nationwide.
For details on skills-based education programs, check out the 8070 Kisan Card Distribution Date page.
Integration into Community College Programs for Credits
Each certificate learning plan is 60-65 hours long and can be integrated into a community college’s curriculum. The American Council on Education (ACE) has conducted a Learning Evaluation Review of the certificates and recommends 12 credits for completing the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Certificate and 8 credits for the IBM SkillsBuild Data Analytics Certificate. The coursework also aligns with CompTIA SEC+ certification topics and skills and is recognized by potential employers.
For information on educational opportunities, visit the TEVTA Courses page.
Coursework and Certification Details
The new certificates from IBM SkillsBuild require completion of the following courses:
- IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Certificate: Governance, risk, compliance and data privacy, vulnerability management, system and network security, cloud security, security operations management, incident response, and system forensics.
- IBM SkillsBuild Data Analytics Certificate: Data classification, data usability for organizations, inferential and descriptive statistics, data collection and analysis, data preparation for analysis, and data visualization and presentation.
Additionally, students will have access to IBM SkillsBuild, including other credentials and more than 1,000 free courses such as AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and workplace skills.
For updates on new educational opportunities, check out the 8171 Web Portal page.
Pilot Success in 2023
The new certificates were successfully piloted with students in Alabama, Colorado, California, and Louisiana in 2023.
“Alabama community college worked with IBM to pilot the Cybersecurity Certificate because of the strong need for entry-level competency-based credentials that help students start on a pathway for an IT career,” said Dr. Courtney Monette, Special Programs Project Director, Alabama Community College System. “In 2021, Alabama adopted a skills-based workforce training program called Mobilizing Alabama Pathways, or MAPs, that allows new and returning adult education and career pathway students an opportunity to earn a credential like the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity or Data Analytics Certificate; thus building confidence and basic employability skills for all high-demand high-wage career clusters.”
For more information on the benefits of skills-based training, visit the Benazir Kafaalat Program page.
Positive Impact on Students and Colleges
“Using the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity credential for my two community education Cybersecurity Fundamentals courses that I piloted at Diablo Valley College during last fall and spring semesters proved to be a rewarding experience for the student participants, for me, and for the college,” said Richard Grotegut, Computer Network Technology Faculty at Diablo Valley College, part of the Contra Costa Community College District and a member of the Bay Area Community College Consortium. “It confirmed the college’s decision to offer the course as part of their academic offerings beginning this coming school year. The credential proved to be a very good entry-level introduction to cybersecurity. While most of the participants enhanced their academic credentials and are pursuing further study, several of the course ‘career-changers’ used their success in the class to gain employment in technical support positions with local companies. The rich course content and approach, with a strong focus on oral and written communication skills, was a key factor in building the confidence that helped the students land those jobs.”
For insights into student success stories, check out the Ehsaas Taleemi Wazaif page.
Collaboration with Industry Leaders
“Front Range Community College is thrilled to have been selected as one of four colleges nationally to collaborate in designing and launching the new IBM SkillsBuild data analytics credential,” said Colleen Simpson, EdD, Front Range Community College President. “This collaboration with renowned technology leader IBM provides our students the opportunity to develop critical skill sets in this rapidly growing field.”
For more information on collaborative educational efforts, visit the 8070 Kisan Card Distribution Date page.
Expanding Opportunities in Louisiana
“Baton Rouge Community College was excited to work with IBM in piloting this initiative last year,” said BRCC Chancellor Dr. Willie E. Smith. “We look forward to continuing this collaboration and working with IBM to expand the initiative and offer it to Louisiana citizens through the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. Through this collaboration, we are demonstrating a commitment to equipping our residents with the skills and practical experience required to excel in the high-demand fields of cybersecurity and data analytics. Together, we are paving the way for Louisiana to emerge as a national leader in these rapidly growing sectors, ensuring our talent is prepared to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of the future.”
For updates on educational initiatives in Louisiana, visit the TEVTA Courses page.
Adapting to a Dynamic Economy
“In an increasingly dynamic economy shaped by fast-evolving technology, employers, learners, and workers need nimble and trusted ways to acquire and validate skills that will lead to quality jobs of the future,” said Joel Vargas, Vice President of JFF’s Education Practice. “JFF is proud to work with IBM and these innovative colleges to lead the charge on creating scalable solutions to meet this growing need.”
For insights into future job trends, check out the 8171 Web Portal page.
IBM’s Skills-First Approach
IBM’s work with community colleges is an important component of the company’s pioneering skills-first approach and part of IBM’s commitment to providing 30 million people with new skills needed for the jobs of tomorrow by 2030.
For more information on IBM’s skills-first initiatives, visit the Benazir Kafaalat Program page.
Interested Community Colleges
Community colleges interested in offering these career certificates to their students can learn more by visiting IBM SkillsBuild’s official website.
For more information on offering career certificates, visit the Ehsaas Taleemi Wazaif page.
About IBM SkillsBuild
IBM SkillsBuild is a free education program aimed at increasing access to technology education. Through the program, IBM supports adult learners and high school and university students and faculty to develop valuable new skills and access career opportunities. The program includes an online platform complemented by customized practical learning experiences delivered in collaboration with a global network of partners.
The open version of IBM SkillsBuild is an online platform offering over 1,000 courses in 20 languages on AI, sustainability, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and many other technical disciplines — as well as workplace skills such as design thinking. Participants can earn IBM-branded digital credentials that are recognized by the market.
For more information on IBM SkillsBuild, visit the 8171 Web Portal page.
Enhanced Version of IBM SkillsBuild
The enhanced version of IBM SkillsBuild may also include workshops, expert conversations with IBM coaches and mentors, project-based learning, access to IBM software, specialized support from partners through the learning process, and connection to career opportunities.
For insights into enhanced learning experiences, visit the Ehsaas Taleemi Wazaif page.
Read More
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What are the new IBM SkillsBuild certificates?
- The new IBM SkillsBuild certificates focus on cybersecurity and data analytics, designed to provide learners with the essential skills required in today’s AI-driven job market.
- Who can enroll in these programs?
- The certificates are accessible to first-time degree seekers, upskillers, or career changers with a high school degree, GED, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in a non-technical field.
- How long does it take to complete these certificates?
- Each certificate learning plan is approximately 60-65 hours long and can be integrated into community college curriculums for credit.
- What job opportunities are available after completing the certificates?
- Potential job opportunities include roles such as junior information security analyst, network security technician, data visualization specialist, and entry-level marketing analyst.
- How do these certificates align with industry standards?
- The coursework aligns with CompTIA SEC+ certification topics and is recognized by potential employers, ensuring that learners are well-prepared for the job market.
