A new study from IBM, administered by Morning Consult and based on more than 14,000 interviews across 13 countries, has revealed that job seekers, students, and career changers around the world are interested in pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) roles across different industries. However, many respondents say they are not familiar with career options and are concerned about the cost and accessibility of training programs. Respondents also cited concerns that career options may not be available to them, contrasting with market data that shows employers are investing in reskilling their workforce to keep pace with technological advancements.
The study revealed that 61% of respondents think they are not qualified to work in a STEM job because they don’t have the right academic degrees. Additionally, 40% of students say the greatest barrier to professional or technical skill development is that they don’t know where to start, and 60% worry that digital credentials may be costly to obtain. Respondents were also concerned about the perceived lack of awareness of options around different STEM roles across industries, and many were unsure of which careers are considered to be STEM jobs. Moreover, 62% of respondents shared concerns that they would not be able to find a STEM job that pays enough to support themselves or their families.
To help tackle these misconceptions and bring STEM education closer to historically underrepresented communities, IBM has announced 45 new educational partners around the world. These IBM SkillsBuild collaborations across social service, economic development, and vocational organizations, as well as government agencies and universities, will make free online learning widely available, with clear pathways to employment. Many of these organizations focus on specific communities that are underrepresented in technology and will help skilled women, including mothers returning to the workforce, ethnic minorities, low-income individuals, and refugees.
“Technology training can have a transformational effect on a person’s life,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Chief Impact Officer. “There are many misconceptions about what’s needed to pursue a rewarding and lucrative career in today’s rapidly advancing workplace. This is why we must raise awareness of the breadth of science and technology roles that exist across industries. Together with our IBM SkillsBuild partners, we’re highlighting the many pathways that exist for underrepresented communities to pursue futures in tech.”
IBM SkillsBuild provides free technology training available to learners all over the world, with a focus on underrepresented communities in tech. The online training, which is most effective when delivered collaboratively with local partners, offers courses enriched with content through project-based learning, connecting learners with real career opportunities. With the 45 new and expanded collaborations around the world, IBM SkillsBuild will continue to invest in the future of work, supporting learners and helping tackle misconceptions about technology and STEM careers.
