Google Philippines has announced the distribution of 39,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships across the country. The move is aimed at helping equip more Filipino students and jobseekers, especially those in underserved communities, to acquire job-ready skills so they can have a fighting chance for employment in high-demand industries like IT.
In a formal announcement held on September 28, the giant tech firm said it will work closely with local partners like the Globe Group in the private sector and government agencies Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Information and Communications Technology for effective distribution of those scholarships. These partners could nominate qualified recipients and track the progress of their nominated scholars.
“Google is committed to supporting the Philippines’ economic growth through the opportunities created by the country’s growing digital economy,” said Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario. “With the unemployment rate at 5.2% and rapidly growing job postings in tech, Google hopes to address the digital skills gap and improve the lives of thousands of Filipinos for themselves and their families by providing free Google Career Certificates.”
Google Philippines Country Director Bernadette Nacario
Google Career Certificates, a part of Grow with Google initiative, provides a suite of flexible online learning programs available on Coursera.org. The programs are designed to provide learners with digital skills within 3 months to 6 months. Four certificate options are currently offered: IT Support, UX Design, Data Analytics, and Project Management.
“Empowering today’s workforce with digital and job-ready skills is important to lead the country towards economic development,” said Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer Yoly Crisanto. “The Globe Group is honored to play a vital role in the Google Career Certificates program in the Philippines that will help 39,000 young Filipinos with advanced IT courses.
Google Philippines Country Marketing Head Gabriel Roxas
“This is just one of the things that we want to add on as an option for people who really want to get into it. Hopefully, we are adding to a full menu of what’s available for the Filipino workforce,” said Google Philippines Country Marketing Head Gabriel Roxas.
Google Career Certificates are available for Filipinos (here and abroad) aged 18 years and older. The programs do not require a previous degree or experience. Through this offering, Google targets low-income, vocational students, and college dropouts, among others, but also reiterates that the certificates could be for everyone interested.
“The Google Career Certificates program will serve as the ticket that will help me arrive at the destination of my dreams for me and my family. The tech industry is becoming increasingly competitive and it is important to gain relevant skills that will give us a competitive advantage,” shared Shiela Marie Manzano, Civil Engineering student and a Google Career Certificate scholar.
Learn more about Google Career Certificates here.
