🛠️ Skills and Workforce #22

This week, Nigeria aims to train 1.1M Enugu residents in digital skills by 2027. RFK Jr. plans to cut 10,000 jobs at HHS. The EU commits $1.4B by 2027 to boost digital skills. In the green skills sector, the UK invested $775M to train 60,000 construction workers for net-zero goals. Nissan prepares 16K students annually for EV and sustainability careers, and Guyana’s Women in Solar program trains for photovoltaic installation. 

In advanced manufacturing, Pennsylvania has allocated $2.4M for school-to-work manufacturing/tech training. India launches a BTech ECE program supporting its $100B chip market by 2030, and Greater ROC Global connects international STEM talent to healthcare and manufacturing roles in Rochester. For AI and digital, Nasscom Foundation and HSBC India train 4K rural women in digital skills, BOBCARD’s StreeTech Pragati boosts digital literacy for underserved groups, and Google.org’s $10M grant has helped nonprofits with AI integration.

In healthcare, Canada invested $14.3M to fast-track 3,500 international health professionals. The Mobile Simulation Lab delivers hands-on medical training to rural communities, and a $200K donation supports healthcare and skill development in Maricopa County.

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Global Labor Market Trends

🏢 Nigeria Targets 1.1M Enugu Residents for Digital Skills Training by 2027. The Nigerian government, led by Minister Bosun Tijani, plans to train over 1.1M Enugu residents in digital skills by 2027 under NITDA’s DL4ALL initiative. With 14,000+ applications and 1,762 already trained via the 3MTT program, the effort aims to boost digital literacy and economic growth.

📈 RFK Jr. cuts 10,000 HHS Jobs to Reshape US Health System. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is cutting 10,000 jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services, reducing its workforce from 82,000 to 62,000. The Trump-supported plan targets inefficiencies in agencies like the CDC and FDA, but critics warn of risks to public health amid widespread backlash.

👷 EU Boosts Digital Future with €1.3 Billion Investment by 2027. The European Commission is investing €1.3 billion ($1.4 billion) from 2025 to 2027 through the Digital Europe Programme to advance AI, cybersecurity, and digital skills. This funding, part of an €8.1 billion initiative, targets AI adoption in sectors such as healthcare, enhances cyber resilience with projects like the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, and supports digital training to strengthen Europe’s tech sovereignty and competitiveness.

Green Skills

👷🏻‍♂️ UK Allocates $775M for Construction Industry Skills to Meet Net-Zero Targets. The UK commits $775M to train up to 60,000 construction workers by 2029, supporting housebuilding and infrastructure expansion. $213M funds college courses, $129M upskills workers, and $41M backs 40,000 industry placements annually. With 38,000 vacancies in Q1 2025 and 25% of the workforce expected to retire in 10-15 years, the initiative addresses labor shortages vital for meeting housing and net-zero targets.

🚗 Nissan Doubles Investment in Skills Foundation. Nissan doubles the size of its Skills Foundation to expand STEM education, targeting 16,000 children annually. The initiative focuses on electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing, advanced technologies, and sustainability, supporting the development of green talent for the automotive sector. As part of the MADE NE project, the foundation will offer hands-on learning to prepare students for the growing demand for skilled workers in EV production and sustainable transportation solutions.

☀️ GSI-SKN & GPL Launch Women in Solar Energy Training Programme. Green Solutions International SKN Inc., in partnership with Guyana Power and Light Inc., launched a training program aimed at empowering women in the solar energy sector. The program focuses on training women in solar photovoltaic system installation, operation, and maintenance, aiming to enhance local renewable energy capacity and promote gender equality in the workforce.

Advanced Manufacturing Skills

🏗️ The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry is investing $2.4M to expand career readiness programs for high school students. Through the Schools-to-Work Program (STWP), this funding aims to expand pre-apprenticeships, classroom training, and job shadowing opportunities, providing students with critical tools to transition successfully from education to employment.12 organizations will help students gain hands-on experience in manufacturing, healthcare, and tech.

👷 A new BTech ECE program focusing on Semiconductor Design & Technology has been launched by NCU, IIT Mandi, and NSDC to support India's $100B semiconductor market by 2030. The curriculum blends theory with hands-on training, with IIT Mandi providing VLSI, chip manufacturing, and testing modules. NSDC supports with industry training & funding, ensuring graduates are job-ready, and fostering India’s semiconductor self-reliance.

🌍 The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce has introduced Greater ROC Global, a talent development program tackling workforce shortages in healthcare and advanced manufacturing. Partnering with inSpring, the initiative recruits will focus on STEM talent for Rochester’s manufacturing sector and help them earn degrees and certifications and integrate into the workforce. The first cohort arrives on April 21. Their commitment will also support global nursing talent at the same time. 

AI & Digital Skills

🌐 The Nasscom Foundation and HSBC India are training 4,000 rural women entrepreneurs. The program focuses on five states: digital and financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and business applications. Rural women-owned enterprises employ 22–27M people but struggle with credit access, policy support, and business development services. This initiative aims to enhance economic empowerment, improve livelihoods, and boost resilience through technology-driven solutions by upskilling women and integrating them into digital platforms.

📱 BOBCARD LIMITED is empowering women and young learners through ‘StreeTech Pragati.’ This initiative combines digital literacy, financial inclusion, and online safety to support underserved women. Partnering with the Ahaan Foundation, BOBCARD introduces programs like Digital Stree Shakti, Cyber Sakhi, and Digi Support to enhance digital and financial skills. Building on its Shakti Samridhi program, BOBCARD aims to create a sustainable model for gender equality by ensuring women can access and effectively use financial tools in daily life.

💻 Google.org is launching a $10M grant to help nonprofits integrate AI. Community foundations in five US cities will distribute the funds, offering tailored AI support. This initiative is part of Google’s broader commitment to AI adoption, including a generative AI accelerator and an AI Opportunity Fund. The fund aims to invest nearly $100M in AI training and integration programs, ensuring nonprofits can leverage AI to enhance their operations and impact.

Health Skills

🧑‍⚕️ Canada Invests $14.3M to Fast-Track International Healthcare Workers. Canada is investing $14.3M in 2025 through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to help 3,500 internationally educated health professionals join the workforce. With 78,600 healthcare vacancies in 2024, the initiative focuses on faster credential recognition, job placements, training, and mentorship to address labor shortages and reduce wait times.

🧑‍🎓 The College of Nursing and Health Innovation’s new Mobile Simulation Lab is bringing hands-on medical training directly to rural communities. Launched with excitement after years of planning, the lab features high-tech mannequins like "MamaAnne" to simulate obstetric and trauma emergencies. Equipped with cameras and audio, the lab allows teams to review and improve performance, boosting confidence and skills in areas with limited resources. 

💉 $200,000 Gift Expands Healthcare Education and Workforce in Maricopa County. Maricopa County received a $200,000 gift to expand healthcare education and workforce development significantly. The investment supports advanced training initiatives, aiming to improve local healthcare quality and boost job readiness.

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