Latest news with #reskilling
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
OpenClassrooms and CompTIA team to expand cybersecurity skills and narrow the talent gap in Europe
CompTIA Security+ will serve as the foundation for training and certification Gdańsk, Poland, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new effort to grow cybersecurity talent in Europe was launched today by OpenClassrooms, a leader in online schooling, education-to-employment programs and career coaching for students worldwide, and CompTIA, the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certification products. The organisations will make the CompTIA Security+ certification exam available to learners completing the EU Cybersecurity Analyst reskilling programme of OpenClassrooms. The agreement was announced at this week's Digital Summit in Gdańsk, organized by Poland's Ministry of Digital Affairs. 'Teaming with OpenClassrooms advances CompTIA's pledge to offer aspiring technology professionals a progressive route to industry-leading certifications,' said Jason Moss, senior vice president, EMEA. CompTIA. 'Together we will equip individuals with the validated skills they will need to operate in SOC centres; carry out cybersecurity incident response activities; and improve organisational cybersecurity hygiene.' 'Our collaboration with CompTIA marks a major step forward in making cybersecurity reskilling both rigorous and accessible,' said Guillaume Houzel, managing director for growth, OpenClassrooms. 'By aligning our programs with the globally recognized Security+ certification, we are empowering career changers across Europe to confidently transition into in-demand roles like security analyst or incident responder. Together, we are building a pipeline of job-ready cyber professionals who meet the evolving needs of the European digital economy.' The first 10 learners who complete the programme will benefit from free access to the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. The agreement signed today is under the auspices on the Industry-Academia Network of the Cyber Skills Academy, an EU initiative aiming at addressing the growing cybersecurity skills and talent shortage in Europe. Established in 2023, the Network brings industry and academia to focus on aligning the needs of the cybersecurity job market with academic and training offerings that suit the current and emerging needs of the workforce. The partnership between CompTIA and OpenClassrooms supports the development of cybersecurity talent and skills needed to implement the NIS2 directive, Cyber Resilience Act, Cyber Solidarity Act and Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). Aligning with OpenClassrooms' commitment to making education more accessible, the programme will focus on individuals who come from backgrounds that are under-represented in the cybersecurity workforce, or who face barriers to education and career opportunities. More than 760,000 individuals around the world are CompTIA Security+ certified, making it the most widely adopted ISO/ANSI-accredited early career cybersecurity certification on the market. CompTIA Security+ also maps to the ENISA European Cybersecurity Skills Framework, a practical tool to support the identification and articulation of tasks, competences, skills and knowledge associated with the roles of European cybersecurity professionals. It is the EU reference point for defining and assessing relevant skills, as defined in the Cybersecurity Skills Academy. The CompTIA Security+ courseware and exam focus on the technologies, techniques and tools that cybersecurity professionals need to safeguard networks, detect threats and secure data. The certification is relevant to a variety of occupations, including security administrator, systems administrator, help desk analyst, security engineer and security analyst. About OpenClassrooms OpenClassrooms' mission is to make education accessible. We are an online school helping thousands of individuals all over the world develop their skills and progress in their career. About CompTIA CompTIA Inc. is the leading global provider of vendor-neutral information technology (IT) training and certification products. CompTIA unlocks potential in millions of aspiring technology professionals and careers changers. Working in partnership with thousands of academic institutions and training providers, CompTIA helps students build career-ready skills through best-in-class learning solutions, industry-recognized certifications and career resources. Learn more at CONTACT: Steven Ostrowski CompTIA 630.678.8468 sostrowski@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
From classroom to control systems: An educator's journey into engineering
A missed job opportunity didn't discourage Ms Ong Ai Lian – it motivated her. Back in 2018, Ms Ong, formerly a design and technology educator, began her journey of reskilling. She enrolled in two specialist diplomas consecutively – one in business and big data analytics, and the other in advanced networking. Her growing interest in Industry 4.0 technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data sparked this change. With new knowledge under her belt, she landed a role as a project engineer in the communications and networks group at a local polytechnic's engineering school. There, she found inspiration watching lecturers work on electronics and robotics projects. When her contract ended, she applied for a role that required Python programming and experience with the Robot Operating System – but didn't get it. Undeterred, Ms Ong took the setback as a sign to keep learning. In 2022, she enrolled in the part-time Diploma in Engineering (Control and Automation) at Singapore Polytechnic. Singapore Polytechnic offers over 500 continuing education and training courses in high-demand areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, data analytics and engineering – empowering professionals like Ms Ong to shape their careers. Ms Ong considered several courses before choosing the Diploma in Engineering (Control and Automation). What stood out for her was the course's strong foundation in analogue and digital electronics, control systems, robotics and smart sensors – all key technologies driving Industry 4.0 and the digital transformation of manufacturing. She was also drawn to its hands-on learning approach and Singapore Polytechnic's reputation for academic excellence. 'The quality of teaching was excellent,' said Ms Ong. 'The lecturers demonstrated strong subject expertise and our projects challenged us to develop real-world applications.' Coming from a non-manufacturing background, Ms Ong initially struggled with unfamiliar industrial equipment. But with support from her classmates and lecturers, she was able to keep up. As a former educator herself, she appreciated how the lecturers went the extra mile to help students fully understand the material. One example she highlighted was Dr Yang Zhizong, who taught digital manufacturing. Drawing from his industry experience, he showed how classroom concepts applied in real-world settings. Another was Ms Lu Hongli, who taught smart sensors and actuators. Ms Lu used creative teaching methods, such as explaining filter circuits using electrocardiogram (ECG) signals as an analogy. 'Instead of just telling us which frequencies were passed or blocked, she used the ECG example to show how three different filters – low-, high- and band-pass – could each improve signal quality in different ways,' explained Ms Ong. She also recalled Mr Clement Chew, who taught the AI for Automation module. He created additional video tutorials with clear instructions to help students prepare for tests. When some students had trouble installing the required software for a lab test, Mr Chew even organised an extra Zoom session – outside class hours – together with another lecturer to troubleshoot their computer settings. Ms Ong found one of the most rewarding parts of her learning journey to be the diverse mix of classmates she met along the way. Her peers came from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds – holding qualifications from NITEC and diplomas to degrees and even a doctorate – and working across fields like research, engineering and manufacturing. 'It was an interesting mix. Everyone had their own strengths – some were better at hands-on tasks and working with equipment, while others excelled at understanding theory,' she noted. Collaborating with her teammates on projects gave her fresh perspectives and the opportunity to tap into a rich pool of skills. One teammate, a PhD holder in the bioscience industry, brought sharp research and critical thinking abilities. Another, a chemical engineer, provided practical knowledge about processing equipment such as valves and pumps. 'Each of us contributed our own expertise to make the projects a success,' shared Ms Ong. Her own background in teaching proved useful, too – especially when studying for semester tests. She often helped classmates by explaining concepts in simpler terms, using peer teaching techniques to reinforce learning. 'After reviewing the material, I'd teach it to a classmate. Once they understood, they would explain it to someone else. It helped us all deepen our understanding,' she explained. She also used teaching techniques like mnemonics to help a classmate remember equations. 'That experience reminded me how important it is to find the right way to communicate ideas to different learners,' she said. Having attained her Diploma in Engineering (Control and Automation), Ms Ong hopes to apply her enhanced skills to create smart, sustainable and automated solutions in fields like healthcare and logistics. She's also grateful to her classmates, some of whom have even shared job opportunities with her. Looking ahead, Ms Ong plans to further her education at the degree level. Students from this diploma programme are eligible for credit exemptions when applying to the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours in Electrical Power Engineering at the Singapore Institute of Technology – making it easier to continue studying while working. 'I believe in lifelong learning,' said Ms Ong. 'Balancing work, studies and personal life can be tough, but it's doable – and definitely worthwhile. It keeps you relevant, builds resilience and helps you adapt in a fast-changing world.'
Daily Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Showdown looming at key summit hosted by Anthony Albanese affecting millions of Australian workers
Business groups and unions are on a collision course over priorities for a planned productivity summit despite the prime minister's optimism they can find common ground. Anthony Albanese has dismissed suggestions the roundtable, which will take place in August and is aimed at finding ways to lift the nation's economic output, would amount to little more than a Canberra talkfest. 'It is not unreasonable to bring people together ... business and unions have common interests, we have a national interest in boosting productivity,' he told ABC Radio on Wednesday. But Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox said it was disappointing the union movement had taken the view that 'there's nothing to see here and that is all about cutting jobs and cutting wages and it demonstrably isn't'. 'One of the frustrating conversations to have with unions is to hear them say: 'Yes, of course there'll be AI but everyone's job will stay the same,' he told Sky News. 'Unfortunately it won't but we have to prepare people for that - and that will be a massive exercise in reskilling and retraining ... that's where this productivity summit is going to be so important.' Experts are concerned about Australia's lagging growth in productivity - a key economic measure of efficiency and long-term driver of improved living standards. Working Australians must be at the centre of the summit, ACTU secretary Sally McManus said. 'We need to leave behind the idea that productivity is equated with cutting pay and making people work harder for less,' she said. Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew McKellar said he was realistic about the potential for tangible outcomes at the roundtable. 'If it was easy, it would have been done already,' he told AAP. The scope of the Fair Work Act had grown significantly in recent years, which had a 'significant impact' on small businesses trying to hire staff, Mr McKellar said. Planned payday superannuation reforms also needed to be implemented in a way that didn't 'create a significant additional burden for small business', he added. 'We don't expect (the government) to revisit all of the industrial relations changes, but ... let's make some practical changes that make it easier for small business to create jobs and employ more people to promote productivity,' Mr McKellar said. Tax changes, cutting the regulatory burden and encouraging the uptake of digital technology would all be priorities for the business lobby, which singled out AI as a field that could make a big difference to productivity. Productivity Commission chair Danielle Wood said it was important to be clear the target was 'not about working longer hours'. 'When we're talking about labour productivity, all it means is producing more for each hour worked,' she told ABC TV. 'This is about making sure Australians have the skills, that they have access to the technology, that we have great business processes that allow all of us to get more out of each hour that we put in.' Higher productivity was ultimately what drove improvements in incomes and living standards, and technological change was the most important driver of growth, Ms Wood said. 'Australia is lagging in the adoption of AI ... so that's certainly one of the areas of opportunity that we will be looking to,' she said. The commission's most recent report showed labour productivity fell 0.1 per cent in the December quarter and dropped 1.2 per cent in the past year. Shadow treasurer Ted O'Brien said the opposition gave the government some credit for calling the summit. 'A round table. Yay!' Mr O'Brien joked during an interview on Nine's Today program. 'But look ... to be fair, at least they're recognising the problem ... so let's take that as a partial tick.'
Mail & Guardian
29-05-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Reimagining business education – How global trends are shaping the future of work
To remain relevant, business education must do more than prepare graduates for today — it must empower them to shape tomorrow. The global workforce is in flux. Rapid technological advancement, climate imperatives, demographic shifts and economic uncertainty are reshaping work as we know it. More than 170 million new jobs will be created — and 92 million lost — by the end of the decade and about 40% of current job skills will become obsolete, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF's) As artificial intelligence (AI) disrupts industries, climate change alters jobs and instability ripples through markets, business as usual is no longer viable. For MBA programmes and business schools, this is both a challenge and an opportunity: to produce agile, future-ready graduates who can lead through disruption. This requires a fundamental rethink of how business education is delivered — from access and curriculum design to real-world alignment. Digital learning, modular and stackable qualifications, and stronger links between industry and academia are now essential. Skills for tomorrow The WEF report draws on data from more than 1,000 employers across 22 industries and 55 economies. It finds that 63% of companies see skills gaps as the biggest barrier to transformation, with six in 10 workers needing reskilling by 2030. Core skills such as analytical thinking, AI, big data and cybersecurity are in demand, while many current competencies are fast becoming outdated. Employers are responding. More than 85% plan to upskill staff, and 70% expect to hire talent with new capabilities. This puts a premium on postgraduates who can drive workforce transformation and lead reskilling initiatives. Business schools are adapting. Traditional subjects such as finance and strategy are being integrated with courses in AI, data analytics, sustainability and digital transformation. If the next generation of leaders is to thrive in a volatile, fast-changing world, then it's not only about new tools — it's about new thinking. The human edge Technical skills are critical, but no longer sufficient. Today's business leaders must also be emotionally intelligent, adaptable and creative. In South Africa's complex, multicultural society, the ability to work across differences and build inclusive teams is not just an asset — it's a necessity. Human-centric competencies such as problem-solving, collaboration and ethical leadership are climbing the priority ladder. This means cultivating hybrid professionals: digitally fluent, analytically sharp and socially aware. Business schools are under pressure to equip students to navigate uncertainty and to lead in its midst. Global forces, local effects Labour market shifts are being shaped by more than just technology. Rising costs of living, inflation and geopolitical instability are driving structural changes. While ageing populations in high-income countries are driving demand for healthcare leadership, South Africa's youthful population demands entrepreneurial thinking and scalable, localised solutions that apply global strategy. The rise of green jobs is another game-changer. Climate adaptation is creating demand for work in renewable energy, sustainability and environmental risk management. At the same time, geopolitical tensions are increasing the need for skills in cybersecurity, supply chain resilience and international policy. Graduates must be prepared to lead with purpose in a world where business decisions are inextricably linked to planetary and geopolitical realities, embedding ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles into strategy and linking decisions to social and environmental outcomes. Lifelong learning, lasting effect Disruption is now a given. To remain relevant, business education must do more than prepare graduates for today — it must empower them to shape tomorrow. The pace of change demands continuous learning. Business schools are responding with flexible programmes, microcredentials and online offerings. Lifelong learning is now a baseline, not a bonus. As employers shift to skills-based hiring and redeploy workers displaced by automation, business education must go beyond traditional degrees. It must equip students with the mindset and tools to reinvent themselves — again and again. By embedding agility, embracing sustainability and aligning with real-world needs, MBA and postgraduate programmes can produce graduates who are employable and indispensable. The future of work may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the most valuable qualification is no longer just a degree — it's the ability to adapt, lead with integrity, and keep learning.
Fast Company
29-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
The double-edged code: How AI consultants like me are both building and breaking the future
I help companies and governments implement AI solutions that make them faster, leaner, and more profitable. I also know that with every project I complete, I'm contributing to the next wave of layoffs—and maybe even the next recession. That's the uncomfortable truth most AI consultants won't say out loud. We love talking about optimization and cost savings. We're less eager to talk about the human costs—people whose jobs become 'redundant,' whose skills become obsolete, whose industries disappear faster than any government training program can catch up. It's a strange feeling, being part of both the solution and the problem. But acknowledging it is the first step toward doing better. The speed of AI adoption today is staggering. Unlike the industrial revolutions of the past, where technological change played out over generations, the AI revolution is moving faster than political systems, education systems, or even most companies can react. Governments are lagging behind. Workers are told to 'reskill'—but given little support. Waiting for policy fixes is no longer realistic. Most proposed solutions feel thin. Reskilling programs sound good, but they struggle to scale. Universal Basic Income raises more questions than it answers, especially around who pays for it and how it affects innovation. Regulating AI may slow some dangers, but it won't stop the global race toward automation. If we're honest, the standard solutions aren't enough. But there is another path: One more powerful than slowing down or trying to contain AI; one that could create new industries, jobs, and wealth—not just in the U.S., but across the world. The answer isn't Mars. It's Earth. LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR PROSPERITY Instead of looking to space for our next frontier, we need to look at regions right here on our planet that are still 50 years behind in basic development. Parts of Africa, South America, Asia, and the Middle East are still struggling with infrastructure gaps, energy poverty, limited health care, and broken education systems. The opportunity is staggering—not just morally, but economically. With the help of AI, automation, satellite internet, and renewable energy, we can leapfrog traditional development cycles. We can help entire regions skip decades of gradual industrialization and jump straight into the modern economy. And in doing so, we can create millions of jobs—not just abroad, but right here in the U.S. This isn't wishful thinking. This is economics. THE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY OF GLOBAL GROWTH When we help develop these regions, U.S. firms—from engineering companies to renewable energy providers to software developers—get paid to build the future. American consultants, architects, logistics managers, AI trainers, and contractors all have a role to play. These are exported services that drive real wealth creation at home. As these regions grow, they become new consumer markets for U.S. products, services, tourism, and education. It's the Marshall Plan, version 2.0—only this time, fueled by AI. Of course, this kind of development doesn't happen overnight. And yes, funding it responsibly matters. If we simply print money and throw it at the problem, we'll just fuel inflation and instability. But if private investors lead the charge—supported, not smothered, by public policy—we can create real, lasting value. Every road paved, every hospital built, every power grid modernized opens new channels of trade, education, and innovation. The technology to do it is already in our hands. Starlink beams internet into remote villages without needing miles of cable. Solar microgrids can deliver electricity to communities never on a national grid. AI-powered health care systems can bring diagnostic tools to areas without enough doctors. AI-driven education can teach coding and technical skills where traditional schooling has failed. There are already glimmers of this future. Mobile banking systems like M-Pesa transformed parts of Africa without ever building traditional banks. Telemedicine leapfrogged over the absence of hospitals in rural Asia. Now, with AI as an accelerator, the curve could steepen dramatically. But it won't happen by accident. And it won't happen if we keep thinking small. Building the next wave of global prosperity will require boldness, investment, and a willingness to think beyond our own borders. It will require companies, consultants, and entrepreneurs to look at underdeveloped regions not as charity cases, but as emerging partners in building a stronger, safer, more interconnected world. HOW BUSINESS LEADERS CAN TAKE ACTION Bridging the global development gap with the help of AI isn't a moonshot, but it does require intentional steps. Here's how companies, consultants, and entrepreneurs can start: 1. Conduct an 'impact-forward' audit. Identify areas of your business that could create value beyond your current market—not just profit, but capability building. Look at where your tech, tools, or services could help modernize operations in underserved regions. 2. Build local partnerships early. Don't parachute in. Partner with local entrepreneurs, NGOs, and educational institutions who know the landscape. Co-develop solutions that respect cultural and economic realities. These partners often hold the key to scale and sustainability. 3. Invest in pilot projects. Rather than trying to 'save' a region with a massive rollout, start small. Run AI or automation pilot projects in logistics, agriculture, education, or health care that demonstrate ROI and social value. Document results, then scale what works. 4. Leverage global development funds. Tap into the growing pool of public-private funding sources designed to support responsible global innovation, from USAID initiatives to ESG funds and impact investment capital. 5. Reinforce the feedback loop. Use insights and tech developed abroad to enhance your domestic operations. The innovations born from constraints in emerging markets often yield breakthroughs in efficiency and scalability back home. THE NEXT FRONTIER IS OURS TO BUILD It's easy—and comfortable—to frame the AI revolution as something happening 'to us,' a force we just have to brace against. But that's a dangerous illusion. The real question isn't whether AI will change the world. It's whether we will direct that change toward opportunity, or let it entrench inequality even further. I believe we can choose better. I believe we must choose better. The next frontier isn't millions of miles away in space. It's right here, waiting for us to build it—together.
