Google commits to provide 44,500 new Career Certificates scholarships to Pakistanis by the end of 2023
After launching Google Career Certificates (GCC) in Pakistan last year, Google announced its commitment to providing 44,500 new GCC scholarships to more Pakistanis who want to gain access to in-demand digital skills. This initiative is in partnership with IRM and TechValley and is aimed at creating more equal opportunities for people from different groups and backgrounds to gain access to digital skills and job opportunities.
Three additional courses added to GCC program
Google also added three additional courses to the GCC program, including Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity, to help Pakistani women and young graduates earn employer-recognized certificates and achieve their career goals.
Study shows the need for digital skills in Pakistan
A new study from the Economist supported by Google shows that more support has needed to get the most out of Pakistan’s digital workforce. Digital skills are becoming increasingly important, and employers’ role is crucial in providing information about and access to upskilling programs to their existing workforce. The study also emphasizes the importance of soft skills like communication and adaptability, which are essential for workers to learn due to their wide applicability across diverse job roles and industries.
Government can facilitate a conducive ecosystem
The study further suggests that government can facilitate a conducive ecosystem by collaborating closely with companies, organizations, and communities, which can help provide more equal access to skilling through incentives and supportive policies.
Google Career Certificates and scholarships create equal opportunities
According to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, unemployment rates are higher than average among women and youth, with 31% of the total unemployed being youth, of which women make up 51%. Through initiatives such as Google Career Certificates and scholarships, Google aims to create more equal opportunities for people from different groups and backgrounds to gain access to digital skills and job opportunities.
Honourable Syed Amin Ul Haque, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, expresses support for the initiative
Honourable Syed Amin Ul Haque, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, expressed his support for Google’s efforts to equip Pakistani talent with digital skills through the Google Career Certificate program 2.0. He praised Google’s focus on distributing 50% of scholarships to women and aligned the initiative with the government’s vision of creating an ecosystem that enables the potential of the digital economy and provides equal opportunities to all Pakistanis.
Graduates share their success stories
Graduates who completed the GCC program shared their success stories. Iqra Malik, a data analyst freelancer, shared that the course transformed her life by providing her with valuable new skills that helped her excel in freelance work and support her family financially. Saif Ullah, a graduate in digital marketing, shared that completing the certificate had a significant impact on his life, both personally and professionally.
Soft skills program for GCC graduates
In addition to the new scholarships and the three new courses, Google’s partners, IRM and TechValley, are launching a soft skills program for GCC graduates. The online program covers critical topics, including Communication Skills, Personal Branding, Time Management, and Critical Thinking, and is designed to create well-rounded professionals ready for the job market. The curriculum is designed by Google and will be delivered by IRM and TechValley.
For more information on Google Career Certificates please visit https://grow.google/intl/en_pk/certificates/
Also read this: https://www.skipper.pk/google-establishes-its-inaugural-app-growth-lab-in-pakistan-to-assist-promising-app-developers/
