In its continued dedication to contribute to the development of a Digital Philippines, Google has unveiled a series of initiatives today. These include free generative AI skills development courses, the Google for AI Startups Cloud Program, and the introduction of three new Google Career Certificates.
Nurturing skills and supporting startups for the AI economy
In an effort to enhance accessibility to careers in generative AI, Google Cloud has introduced complimentary generative AI skills development courses through its Cloud Skills Boost Program. This educational pathway enables individuals to gain proficiency in a diverse array of subjects, including Introductory Generative AI, Large Language Models, Responsible AI, and more. Filipinos now have the chance to take advantage of this opportunity to cultivate and showcase their sought-after AI skills to potential employers.
Moreover, Google Cloud is extending its support to seed and early-stage startups (Series A startups) in the Philippines that harness AI as their foundational technology for developing products or solutions. Through the Google for AI Startups Cloud Program, startups can now access vital cloud credits, totaling up to US$350,000 over a span of two years. This program offers entrepreneurs access to AI experts, comprehensive training, valuable resources, and networking opportunities.
Equipping the Filipino workforce with three new Google Career Certificates
Google has expanded its Google Career Certificates program by introducing three additional courses: Business Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, and Cybersecurity. These certificates serve as professional endorsements, facilitating individuals from diverse backgrounds in acquiring job-ready skills within burgeoning digital sectors like IT Support, UX Design, E-commerce, and Digital Marketing.
In 2022, Google made a significant announcement, pledging to grant 39,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships to empower Filipinos from underserved communities to acquire digital skills and earn well-recognized certificates, thereby enabling them to pursue their career aspirations. Today, the company reaffirms this commitment by allocating an additional 1,000 new Google Career Certificate scholarships for the current year. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology and partner NGOs.
The impact of the Google Career Certificates program in the Philippines has been undeniably positive. The country now boasts a community of over 6,000 Certificate graduates. Remarkably, more than 80% of these graduates have reported favorable career outcomes, including securing employment, receiving promotions, or experiencing salary increases within six months of completing their Certificate.
Bridging the digital skills gap
A recently unveiled study, supported by Google and conducted by The Economist Impact, underscores the growing significance of digital upskilling for Filipino employees in their quest for competitiveness in the job market. The study’s findings indicate that:
- Self-management skills and digital skills are imperative: Self-management skills (68%) such as stress tolerance, resilience and flexibility are the most important for employees, closely followed by digital skills (52%).
- IT Support is the most important digital skill for Filipino employees: Within digital skills, advanced skills such as IT support (65.4%), data analysis and visualization (55.8%) and cybersecurity (59.6%) would be key to supporting growth in the Philippines, and are selected as “must have” capabilities by the employees. Employees in the Philippines prioritize AI and ML (machine learning) skills at higher rates (42%) than the regional average (33%).
- Government plays a vital role to facilitate a conducive skilling ecosystem: By collaborating closely with companies, organizations and communities, the government can help provide more equal access to skilling for example through incentives and supportive policies.
According to the eConomy 2022 report, the tech sector in the country is poised for rapid growth, with the projected value of the digital economy set to reach US$150 billion over the next decade. This substantial expansion necessitates a workforce equipped with the right capabilities and a diverse array of skill sets. The IT-BPM Association of the Philippines anticipates that by 2028, the tech industry will generate 1.1 million new jobs, including 150,000 developer roles that will need to be filled within the next six years.
Bernadette Nacario, Country Director at Google Philippines, stated, “Google remains a steadfast partner in the Philippines’ journey towards building a Digital Philippines. Through our technology, skilling programs, and collaborations, we are committed to unlocking the potential of the digital economy and empowering the future workforce.”
Jeffrey Ian Dy, Undersecretary for Connectivity, Cybersecurity, and Upskilling at the Department of Information and Communications Technology, emphasized the importance of upskilling for achieving career aspirations and enhancing lives. He noted, “Initiatives like the Google Career Certificates and Google’s complimentary AI skilling courses will empower the Philippine workforce to excel in the digital economy. We extend our gratitude to Google for its dedication to assisting us in creating a Digital Philippines.”
