Home Business Google and IBPAP Team Up to Upskill Philippine BPO Workers

Google and IBPAP Team Up to Upskill Philippine BPO Workers

by Axl Stanley

The Philippines’ IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector is gearing up for a major transformation, thanks to a new partnership between the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) and Google. Together, they aim to upskill Filipino workers, ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-evolving global job market.

Through Google’s Career Certificates program, Filipino employees in the IT-BPM sector will have the opportunity to gain certifications in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, UX design, and project management. Additionally, participants will have access to the Google AI Essentials course on Coursera, which will equip them with the knowledge to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in their work.

This initiative comes at a critical time for the IT-BPM industry. IBPAP has set ambitious goals for the sector, including generating $59 billion in revenue and creating 2.5 million jobs by 2028. However, to achieve these targets, the industry must first address the existing skills gap among its workforce.

AI: A Game-Changer for the IT-BPM Sector

At the 16th International IT-BPM Summit in October, IBPAP President Jack Madrid emphasized the transformative impact of AI on the industry. He noted that while AI will not replace workers, it will redefine how work is done.

“Gen AI will not replace people, but people who use Gen AI will replace people who don’t,” Madrid said. “Gen AI is all about people and how work gets done. That’s why we need to make people, not just technology, central to how we deal with generative AI.”

This partnership with Google is a strategic move to future-proof the Philippine workforce. Madrid highlighted its importance, stating, “This collaboration is key to reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a global IT-BPM leader, ensuring our workforce remains competitive.”

A Step Toward Economic Progress

Google Philippines and Thailand Country Director Jackie Wang echoed Madrid’s sentiments, emphasizing the broader impact of the initiative. “By equipping Filipinos with in-demand skills, we hope to contribute to the country’s economic progress and digital future,” she said.

The IT-BPM sector is already a significant contributor to the Philippine economy, and the industry is on track to employ 1.82 million workers by the end of 2024. With the integration of AI and other advanced technologies, the sector is poised to grow even further, creating more opportunities for Filipino professionals.

What This Means for Filipino Workers

For Filipino employees in the IT-BPM sector, this partnership represents a chance to future-proof their careers. By gaining certifications in cutting-edge fields and learning how to harness AI, they can stay ahead of the curve in a competitive job market.

For the Philippines, this collaboration is a step toward solidifying its reputation as a global leader in the IT-BPM industry. By investing in the skills of its workforce, the country is not only addressing the skills gap but also paving the way for sustained economic growth and innovation.

As the IT-BPM sector continues to evolve, initiatives like this one will be crucial in ensuring that Filipino workers remain at the forefront of the industry. With Google and IBPAP leading the charge, the future looks bright for the Philippines’ digital workforce.

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