As a testament to the effectiveness of Google’s courses, over 6,000 graduates in the Philippines have benefited from them. An impressive 80 percent of these graduates have reported a substantial boost in their careers following completion of the courses
In a bid to empower Filipinos with essential skills for the future job market, Google Philippines has announced a game-changing initiative. They are offering a series of free courses, including artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cybersecurity. This move aims to bridge the skills gap and open doors to promising career opportunities.
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For these reason, On Wednesday, September 27, Google Philippines announced the rollout by Google Cloud of a free course to assist Filipinos learn about artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Google’s Free AI and IT Courses: Bridging the Skills Gap
Google Philippines, through Yves Gonzalez, its Public Policy & Government Relations Head, has embarked on a mission to make career paths in AI and IT more accessible to Filipinos.
Gonzalez emphasizes the significance of these courses, explaining, “These will make career paths in AI more accessible. And the good news is, this is free. Anyone can access this anytime, anywhere at no cost.”
The free courses offered by Google cover a wide array of topics, providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. These topics include distinctions between generative AI and other types of AI, responsible AI, machine learning, and much more. The versatility of these courses ensures that learners gain a well-rounded education in the field of AI and IT.
Expanding Opportunities: The Google Career Certificates Program
Google’s commitment to skill development goes beyond AI. In response to a survey conducted in partnership with Economist Impact, which gauged the skills most desired by employees, Google identified key areas of interest among Filipino workers.
The results revealed that, 42 percent of Filipino employees aspire to acquire AI and machine-learning skills, surpassing the Asia-Pacific region’s average of 33 percent.
Apart from AI, the survey revealed other areas of interest among Filipino workers. Notably, 68 percent of respondents expressed a desire to enhance their self-management skills, including time management, stress tolerance, and the ability to learn quickly in a work setting.
Additionally, digital skills, such as IT support and cybersecurity, emerged as popular choices for upskilling.
Google’s Expanded Course Offerings
To cater to these diverse learning needs, Google has introduced three new courses under its Google Career Certificates program:
- Business intelligence
- Advanced data analytics
- Cybersecurity
These offerings complement the existing courses, which cover data analytics, IT automation, IT support, project management, UI/UX design, and e-commerce. This extensive portfolio ensures that learners can choose courses that align with their career goals.
Scholarships for Empowerment
One of the most significant aspects of Google’s initiative is the provision of scholarships. In 2022, Google awarded 39,000 career certificate scholarships to enhance employability among Filipinos. Yves Gonzalez highlights the collaborative nature of these scholarships, stating that they are offered in partnership with government agencies like the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). These scholarships serve as a beacon of opportunity for those eager to upskill without incurring substantial financial burdens.
Accessibility Beyond Google’s Platform
While Google’s courses are available on their dedicated platform at https://www.cloudskillsboost.google/ for free, they are also accessible on Coursera, albeit for a small fee. This decision to collaborate with Coursera expands the reach of these courses, accommodating those who prefer a different learning environment.
Success Stories: The Impact of Google’s Courses
As a testament to the effectiveness of Google’s courses, over 6,000 graduates in the Philippines have benefited from them. An impressive 80 percent of these graduates have reported a substantial boost in their careers following completion of the courses. These success stories underscore the value and relevance of the skills imparted by Google’s free courses.
Google’s commitment to equipping Filipinos with essential AI and IT skills through free courses and scholarships is a remarkable initiative. By addressing the growing demand for AI and digital skills, Google is playing a pivotal role in preparing Filipinos for the jobs of the future. This endeavor not only empowers individuals but also contributes to the overall development and progress of the Philippines in the digital age.
