To help support the country\u2019s economic recovery, Google is launching three new certificate programs that could help Americans, with or without a college degree, develop new skills and land jobs in high-paying, high-growth fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Google\u2019s new certificate programs are in the fields of data analytics, project management and user experience (UX) design. The current median annual wages for data analysts, project managers and UX designers are $66,000, $93,000 and $75,000, respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The certificate programs, which are expected to take 3-6 months to complete, will be offered through the online course provider Coursera<\/a>. Although Google has not yet announced the cost of the certificate programs, it will fund 100,000 need-based scholarships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCollege degrees are out of reach for many Americans, and you shouldn\u2019t need a college diploma to have economic security,\u201d Kent Walker, Google\u2019s senior vice president for global affairs explained in an announcement<\/a>. \u201cWe need new, accessible job-training solutions \u2014 from enhanced vocational programs to online education \u2014 to help America recover and rebuild.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The certificate programs are designed and taught by Google employees who currently work in these fields. In addition to helping people land new jobs, these programs could provide entrepreneurs with the skills they need to adapt their businesses to an increasingly digital world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTechnology has been a lifeline to help many small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis,\u201d Walker explained. \u201cAnd online tools can help people get new skills and find good-paying jobs. Nearly two-thirds of all new jobs created since 2010 require either high-level or medium-level digital skills. This presents a challenge for many job seekers, as well as to America\u2019s long-term economic security. People need good jobs, and the broader economy needs their energy and skills to support our future growth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google will consider the new career certificates equivalent to a four-year degree when hiring for related roles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And those who complete a certificate program will also be considered for jobs at some of the world\u2019s leading companies, including Hulu, Sprint and Walmart, which are part of Google\u2019s growing IT Certificate Employer Consortium<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Google also offers hundreds of apprenticeship opportunities to help certificate program graduates earn on-the-job training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And starting in the fall, the certificates will gradually be offered in Career and Technical Education high schools throughout America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The company\u2019s new certificates are just its latest additions to its Grow with Google initiative, which, since 2017, has helped create pathways into tech careers for people who don\u2019t have college degrees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since 2018, Google has offered an IT Support Professional Certificate<\/a>, which is currently the most popular certificate program on Coursera and continuously provides a pathway to jobs for groups that are underrepresented in the tech industry. Fifty-eight percent of its participants identify as Black, Latinx, female or veteran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And about six months ago<\/a>, Google launched the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate<\/a>. Currently, Python is the most in-demand computer programming language. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs America rebuilds our local communities, it\u2019s important to start with the people that give them life,\u201d Walker explained. \u201cSince 2017, we\u2019ve helped 5 million Americans learn digital skills through Grow with Google and we promise to do our part to help even more people prepare for jobs, creating economic opportunity for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n