The Pueblo City-County Library District has partnered with Google to offer free professional training and certifications in various fields such as IT support, data analytics, cybersecurity, and more. This program aims to enhance digital skills and employment opportunities for individuals in the community.
Pueblo City-County Library District and Google Partner to Provide Free Digital Skills Training
( Credit to: Chieftain )
The Pueblo City-County Library District has partnered with Google to offer a free program aimed at improving digital skills and enhancing employment opportunities. This program, developed by Google, provides professional training and certifications in various fields such as IT support, data analytics, cybersecurity, project management, and user experience design. The courses are designed to enhance digital literacy and connect individuals with employers seeking candidates with digital expertise. All the course materials are available online, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
Sherri Baca, the executive director of PCCLD, expressed excitement about the partnership with Google, stating that economic development and workforce readiness are strategic goals of the library district. By offering high-value, on-demand training and professional development opportunities, the library aims to empower the Pueblo community.
One of the notable aspects of this program is that it does not require any payment, college degree, or prior work experience. This makes it accessible to individuals from all backgrounds. Normally, acquiring a Google career certificate can cost up to $300 for those who do not have access to the program through partnerships. The completion time for each certificate varies between three and six months, with participants expected to dedicate five to ten hours per week to the coursework.
Benefits of the Program
Interested individuals can sign up for the program on the library's website. The library district has been working with Grow with Google, an initiative focused on skills development, since 2019. The Google Career Certificate program is an expansion of this partnership, and it complements the library's existing collaborations with the Small Business Development Center and Pueblo Workforce Center to address workforce needs in the community.
According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, approximately 73,000 Coloradans lack the necessary digital skills for work, learning, and overall quality of life. A study by the National Skills Coalition reveals that 92% of jobs require digital skills, yet one-third of workers lack a foundation in these skills. Black and Latino workers are disproportionately affected by these skill gaps. The report emphasizes that public investments in closing the digital skill gap can yield significant economic benefits for businesses, workers, and the broader economy. Furthermore, individuals with at least one digital skill tend to earn higher wages.
Nick Potter, spokesperson for the library district, highlights the importance of this program in addressing the digital skill gaps identified by local partners. The library district aims to improve the overall workforce by providing a free resource for individuals to enhance their digital skills. Since the soft launch of the program, 30 people have already enrolled. The program is open to individuals aged 16 and above.
Success Stories and Future Plans
Graduates of the program have reported significant career advancements within six months of completing the courses. Some have secured new jobs, promotions, or salary increases. In the coming months, the library district plans to reach out to local employers to explore opportunities for current or new employees to benefit from the program. Although the list of employers is yet to be finalized, the library district is committed to partnering with businesses to strengthen the workforce.
To ensure access to the program, the library district offers Chromebooks for borrowing and laptop vending machines at its branches for those who do not have access to a computer. Additionally, individuals can receive program assistance from librarians at the technology training center.
Sherri Baca reiterates the library's commitment to supporting adult learners in achieving their learning goals and acquiring new skills. The Google Career Certificates program allows individuals to learn at their own pace, stand out to employers, and pursue in-demand jobs.
By providing free access to high-quality digital skills training, the Pueblo City-County Library District and Google are empowering individuals in the community to thrive in the digital age. This collaboration not only benefits job seekers but also contributes to the economic growth and development of Pueblo.
