Coursera, an online education company, has announced the launch of Coursera for governments and nonprofits with an aim to close current and emerging skill gaps in the global workforce. The company has initially partnered with governments and nonprofits in Egypt, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Singapore and the United States.
“The skills gap can no longer be ignored as a major force driving world events. Millions of people lack the skills needed for new and better jobs, and increasing automation will only widen the gap. Governments and nonprofits focused on workforce development are eager to work with us and our university partners to deliver skills education to populations at unprecedented scale,” said Rick Levin, CEO, Coursera.
According to the company, the new initiative can be used by organizations focused on workforce development to curate online learning programs aligned to their labor market needs. It further claims that with its range of courses, government organizations can affordably make university courses and certificates aligned to high-demand skills available to their constituents.
To ensure successful implementation, Coursera plans to offer consultation in learning model design, including how to blend its accessible online learning with in-person supports. It has also provided partners access to analytics tools to track learners’ progress, skill acquisition and long-term impact.
In the United States, the Institute for Veterans & Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF) has partnered with Coursera to offer training and certification to 1,200 transitioning service members, military spouses and veterans through its Onward to Opportunity (O2O) program.
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is using Coursera to train individuals in data science and related topics, with completion incentives and optional meet-ups for participants.
In Kazakhstan, the Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC) has partnered with Coursera to train 1,000+ citizens for jobs in the newly created financial center. The academy will combine Coursera courses in finance and soft skills with in-person learning opportunities and career support.
Egypt’s Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (TIEC) is executing the Next Technology Leaders initiative with a target to train thousands of talented youth in computer science, data science and entrepreneurship.
Mongolia’s Guren Graduate Institute has partnered with Coursera to train educators in business and communication skills.
In Pakistan, Overseas Technologies and Coursera have partnered with various public institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, to train 3,000 young adults across Pakistan.
In Singapore, Coursera is working with the Civil Service College, to provide public officers with training in data analytics and data science. As a partner of SkillsFuture, it already claims to offer over 600 courses in Singapore.