CAWD Selected by IBM to Partner on Regional Expansion of SkillsBuild

Partnership Offers More Opportunities for Jobseekers to Reskill and Upskill for the Post-COVID Workplace

RALEIGH, N.C. (March 3, 2021) – Capital Area Workforce Development (CAWD) is one of a select number of workforce boards in the country chosen by IBM to help expand IBM SkillsBuild to the U.S. SkillsBuild is career-readiness program, provided at no cost to job seekers and entrepreneurs, with online coursework, credentials, coaching, marketable skills and career experience, readying people for in-demand entry level IT and non IT roles in many industries.

“There are 35,000 unemployed people in our service area. Many lost jobs due to the pandemic and unfortunately some of those jobs are gone for good. New digital and professional skills are an asset for those who need to start on a new career or progress in their existing field. This partnership is helping us provide another level of training that can lead to good technical and non-technical jobs,” said Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director at CAWD.

SkillsBuild provides accredited learning coursework from IBM and content providers in addition to career coaching from experts. These resources are offered in conjunction with workshops, job referrals and employment services provided through CAWD’s NCWorks Career Centers. There is no cost to the user.

Timothy Humprey, Senior Location Executive for IBM Research Triangle Park and the Senior IBM State Executive for North Carolina, said, “Even before coronavirus, it was clear that jobs are changing due to automation trends. These disruptions require businesses, not-for-profits and governments to make a fundamental shift in retooling the workforce. SkillsBuild aims to help focus learners on cultivating practical and professional skills to meet the challenge.”

Those who are unemployed, returning to work after leave, or looking to change careers can access CAWD’s channel of SkillsBuild trainings here.

SkillsBuild-related trainings and workshops are also available to businesses owners and non-profits. It is the same level of training received by large global organizations. Topics cover digital strategy, business strategy and legal education. Access business offerings by searching “SkillsBuild” at Evenbrite.com.