Google launches certification program to make IT jobs more accessible

Google has launched a new online education program aimed at preparing people who have no experience in IT sector. In partnership with Coursera, Google has developed the six-week curriculum called The Google IT Support Professional Certificate to help people get the skills they need to find a job. The program is a part of Grow with Google, a Google initiative to help people get the skills they need to find a job using free training, tools, and events.

In a blog post, Google product lead, Natalie Van Kleef Conley wrote, "I helped hire Google's IT staff for several years when I led our internal IT support program; it was often challenging to find qualified candidates. But I knew that candidates didn't need traditional four-year college degrees to be qualified -- and also found that IT was very teachable."

The certificate includes six courses that combine fundamental theory with hands-on practice, including labs and widgets that provide the same kind of troubleshooting experiences you would find on the job. It also involves intrapersonal soft skills guidance.

People who complete their certification programme will be able to use Coursera platform to share their resumes with companies like Bank of America, Walmart, Sprint, GE Digital, PNC Bank, Infosys, TEKsystems, UPMC, and of course, Google, all of whom are looking to hire IT support talent.

"Our collaboration with Google and top employers is designed to provide anyone, regardless of their prior experience or training, with the resources they need to succeed as IT professionals," said Raghav Gupta, India Country Director, Coursera.

The certification program is an 8 to 12 months long course for which the user has to dedicate 8-10 hours every week. It begins from 25 January onwards. This course is available for only $49 and all the lectures will be in English. Notably, Google is also providing financial assistance, though only to US citizens.