Google launches ‘Career Certificates’ for Pakistanis

Google launched ‘Career Certificates’ to provide flexible learning paths for all Pakistanis, allowing them to develop their knowledge and digital skills for in-demand jobs.

According to an AlphaBeta report, if fully leveraged, digital technologies could generate up to Rs9.7 trillion ($59.7 billion) in economic value in Pakistan each year by 2030.

Pakistan’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector has grown dramatically over the last decade, with an average annual revenue growth rate of 20-30%.

Pakistanis can now obtain Google Career Certificates through ‘Grow with Google’ to gain in-demand technical skills in six areas: data analytics, IT support, IT automation, project management, UX Design, digital marketing, and e-commerce.

Google will provide 15,000 Google Career Certificate scholarships through local partners IRM and Ignite, which include educational institutions, industry partners, and nonprofits, allowing them to earn a certificate for free.

ICT-related exports now exceed $5 billion, and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications believes the sector has the “potential to become the [nation’s] largest export industry” in the coming years. Currently, the ICT sector employs roughly 4.7 percent of Pakistan’s labour force, with women accounting for 6% (or 200,000 workers). 

Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka at Google “Today, we are proud to announce the launch of Google Career Certificates, a program under the umbrella of Grow with Google,” said Farhan Qureshi. We are also partnering with IRM and Ignite to provide scholarships for 15,000 learners to earn certificates for free. The initiative reflects Google’s commitment to playing a critical role in ensuring the growth of the country’s digital ecosystem.”

“The certification programme will create new opportunities for developers, students, teachers, job seekers, and businesses.” Partnerships are being formed with both the public and private sectors in order to strengthen Pakistan’s digital industry,” he added.

Google Career Certificates, which are available on the online education platform Coursera, are self-paced online training programs that allow learners with no prior experience or a degree to unlock new job opportunities in six areas: data analytics, IT support, IT automation, project management, UX Design, and digital marketing and e-commerce.

Each certificate is designed by Google’s in-house experts to provide learners with fundamental skills through hands-on learning, allowing them to advance at their own pace while studying or working.

Syeda Dur-e-Hassan Rizvi, a data science trainee at the Institute of Engineering Career, stated, “Although challenges and obstacles may arise, perseverance is essential if you want to succeed.” After dabbling in data, I have now completed the Google data analytics certification. It was an excellent learning experience. I’m more confident and eager to learn and grow!”

Mohammed Zunnurain Hussain, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, Bahria University Lahore Campus, stated, “This certification has greatly impacted my professional life.”