🛠️ Skills and Workforce #21

This week, several significant initiatives were launched to address critical skill gaps across various sectors. A new training program in Nairobi aims to equip 100,000 young professionals with engineering skills over the next decade. CodersTrust and AiVolve have partnered to provide AI training to 100,000 youth and enterprise leaders. Additionally, Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) has joined forces with Cisco to train 50,000 students in digital skills.

The green energy sector is expanding workforce training, with Canada investing $67M to train 29,300 workers in energy-efficient construction and clean energy. Duke Energy is investing $600K to enhance energy training in North Carolina, and EoS, Fulbright, and MSU-IIT’s partnership in the Philippines allocates $400K to develop nuclear energy expertise. In advanced manufacturing, EDGE LIF and QuantaSim launch an aerospace engineering boot camp, while RPCC and LCTCS create a $30M training center for Hyundai’s $5.8B steel plant in Louisiana, generating 1,300 direct jobs. Shapiro funds $100K youth manufacturing training in South Central PA.

Digital skills training is also growing, with Andhra Pradesh and Cisco providing 50,000 learners access to digital courses, while Sindh offers 30,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships. Egypt’s $79M initiative aims to train 5,000 people annually in digital skills. Additionally, Healthcare workforce investment grows via TX State, Stein’s proposal, and VC Heal expansion.

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Global Labor Market Trends

🏢 New African Training Program Aims to Bridge the Engineering Skills Gap. A new training initiative launched in Nairobi targets the continent's engineering skills gap, aiming to train 100,000 young professionals over the next decade. This program is designed to address the growing demand for skilled engineers across key industries, promoting economic development and reducing unemployment.

📈 CodersTrust and AiVolve Partner with Cutting-Edge AI Training. CodersTrust and AiVolve have partnered to provide AI training to over 100,000 youth and enterprise leaders. The initiative aims to equip participants with critical AI skills, preparing them for roles in the rapidly evolving digital economy and boosting their ability to drive innovation in various industries.

👷Telangana Partners with Cisco to Enhance Digital Skills Training. Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge (TASK) has partnered with Cisco to train 50,000 students over the next three years. This collaboration will focus on enhancing digital skills, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, to equip youth with critical skills for the evolving job market and support regional economic growth.

Green Skills

🌱 Canada invests $67M to train 29,300 workers for green jobs. The initiative focuses on energy-efficient construction and clean energy. Aligned with its plan to build 3.87M homes by 2031, the initiative ensures tradespeople gain specialized skills, securing well-paid jobs and strengthening Canada’s clean economy leadership.

💡 Duke Energy invests $600K in workforce development. Duke Energy Foundation is investing $600,000 in North Carolina’s community colleges to enhance training programs for the energy industry, including a $100K boost for the Forward Fund to support students' essential expenses.

⚛️ US-based EoS partners with Fulbright Philippines and MSU-IIT to develop the Philippines’ nuclear energy workforce. The collaboration funds training programs, fellowships, and academic research, with up to $400K allocated to accelerate nuclear expertise. This initiative aligns with the PH-US "123 Agreement," facilitating nuclear technology transfer. 

Advanced Manufacturing Skills

🚀 EDGE LIF & QuantaSim Launch Aerospace Engineering Bootcamp. EDGE’s Learning and Innovation Factory (LIF) and QuantaSim have partnered on a nine-month Engineering Bootcamp for early-career engineers in aerospace and defence. Centered on the V-Cycle model, it offers hands-on training in mechanical, electrical, aerodynamics, and control systems, integrating engineering simulation and real-world projects. The program equips local talent with AI, digital thread, and product lifecycle management skills to drive regional innovation.

🏗️ RPCC & LCTCS Launch Workforce Training for Hyundai’s $5.8B Steel Plant. River Parishes Community College (RPCC) and LCTCS will establish a $30M training center to support Hyundai Motor Group’s $5.8B steel facility in Ascension Parish, Louisiana. The plant, Hyundai’s first US steel mill, will create 1,300 direct jobs and 4,100 indirect jobs. Set to open by April 2027, the center will train 320 employees annually, equipping local talent with industry-specific skills and supporting Hyundai’s workforce needs.

🏭 Shapiro Administration Invests $100K in Crispus Attucks York Workforce Program. Crispus Attucks York will receive a $100,000 MTTC grant from the Shapiro Administration to train young workers (18–24) from low-income families for manufacturing careers in South Central Pennsylvania. Partnering with the Manufacturers’ Association and 12 local employers, the seven-week training program will lead to apprenticeships and job placement for 20 participants annually. With 11,000+ new manufacturing workers needed yearly, this initiative strengthens York’s workforce pipeline.

AI & Digital Skills

🌐 The Andhra Pradesh government partnered with Cisco to boost digital skills. This MoU provides 50,000 learners access to Cisco’s Networking Academy, bridging the skills gap and enhancing employability. The initiative includes self-learning, instructor-led courses, virtual internships, and workforce development programs. Government officials will also access specialized courses. 

💡 Sindh partnered with Google and Tech Valley to offer 30,000 scholarships for Google Career Certificates. This initiative equips university students with digital skills in AI, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, IT Automation, and Project Management. The MoU was signed at CM House, emphasizing its role in preparing youth for the evolving job market. Education leaders and officials attended, reinforcing the province’s commitment to workforce development and globally recognized skill-building opportunities.

🤖 Egypt launched a training initiative to build digital skills. It focuses on AI, programming, cybersecurity, and digital arts, open to all nationwide. Participants gain hands-on experience through industry partnerships, and advanced tracks include master’s degrees. Targeting 5,000 trainees yearly, the program has a budget of $79M to expand Egypt’s digital workforce. President El-Sisi stressed transparency to ensure fairness and effectiveness.

Health Skills

🧑‍⚕️ Stein’s budget proposal invests in the health care workforce, child care, and improved access. Stein’s first budget proposal decisively prioritizes healthcare by boosting funding for vital public health programs, workforce development, and hospital infrastructure, aiming to improve care quality and expand patient access statewide.

🧑‍🎓 VC Heal Healthcare Careers strengthens the workforce and expands opportunities. VC Heal Healthcare Careers expands training programs to boost workforce strength, create career opportunities, and address local healthcare needs, enhancing patient care quality and building a resilient, future-ready health sector.

💉 TXST enters a partnership to expand access to healthcare training programs. Texas State University (TXST) partners to broaden healthcare training access, offering enhanced curriculum options and direct career pathways. This initiative aims to address workforce shortages and secure a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. 

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