Google is expanding its efforts to empower Pakistanis with in-demand digital skills through the Google Career Certificates (GCC) program. As part of its commitment to Future Forward Pakistan, Google will provide 44,500 new GCC scholarships by the end of 2023.
The initiative aims to support individuals, especially women and young graduates, in realizing their career aspirations. A new study conducted in collaboration with the Economist emphasizes the importance of digital skills for Pakistan’s competitiveness in the global market.
New Courses and Scholarships:
- Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity: Google has added three new courses to the GCC program in collaboration with IRM and TechValley. These courses will equip learners with employer-recognized certificates in high-demand fields.
- Scholarships: The additional scholarships will offer more opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to access digital skills training. Google’s commitment to distributing 45,500 Google Career Certificates by the end of 2023 aims to bridge the digital skills gap and create equal opportunities.
Study Findings:
- Growing Importance of Digital Skills: The study reveals that employees consider digital skills crucial, with 57.3% identifying them as the most important to acquire. Digital skills not only enhance job prospects but also improve confidence and competence in areas such as communication, analysis, and critical thinking.
- Relevance of Soft Skills: Soft skills, including communication and adaptability, are essential across various sectors and job roles. 47% of employees consider soft skills important for upskilling, with adaptability, flexibility, and communication being the top priorities.
- Government’s Role: The study suggests that the government can play a vital role in facilitating a conducive ecosystem for digital skills development. Collaborating with companies, organizations, and communities can ensure equal access to upskilling through incentives and supportive policies.
Impact and Testimonials:
- Empowering Freelancers: GCC graduate Iqra Malik, a Data Analyst Freelancer, shares how the program transformed her life, providing valuable skills that enabled her to excel in freelance work, support her family financially, and take on diverse projects.
- Career Progression: Saif Ullah, a Digital Marketing graduate, highlights the impact of completing the GCC program on his personal and professional life. The certification helped him secure a job as a performance marketer, explore freelancing opportunities, and create a roadmap for his future career path.
Expansion of Skills:
To create well-rounded professionals ready for the job market, Google’s partners, IRM and TechValley, will launch a soft skills program for GCC graduates. The program covers critical topics such as Communication Skills, Personal Branding, Time Management, and Critical Thinking.
