Digital Skills for Employability
During the pandemic, Microsoft launched a Global Skills Initiative to help 25 million people around the world acquire the digital skills needed in a COVID-19 economy. As part of this initiative, GAN Global partnered with Microsoft Philanthropies to promote digital skilling programs, leveraging Microsoft’s existing tools , for underserved groups, including women and indigenous groups, in Australia, New Zealand, and Colombia.
Timeline
2020-2021
Partners & funders
GAN Colombia
Partner
ANDI (National Business Association of Colombia)
Partner
GAN Australia
Partner
AEN (Apprenticeship Employment Network)
Partner
GAN New Zealand
Partner
Skills Group
Partner
Microsoft Philanthropies
Donor
The challenge
The pandemic emerged as one of the most challenging times in modern history. It spurred a global economic crisis that requires safe and successful economic recovery, in which digital skilling was identified as a key component to fill new jobs. Within only a few months, COVID-19 provoked a massive demand shock, setting off job losses that exceeded the scale of the Great Recession a decade prior and shifted the demands of the world of work.
What we did
In partnership with our 3 country networks in Australia, Colombia and New Zealand, we developed situational digital skills analyses in these countries. Understanding the skills gaps and insights on in-demand career pathways, we drew tailored conclusions for each country to apply within their national contexts.
Outcomes
Our alliance with Microsoft Philanthropies aimed to lessen equity and digital skills gaps, create new learning opportunities, and prepare underserved groups for a constantly changing world of work. By developing a deep understanding of the digital skilling sector and legislative framework in each of the project countries, we were able to promote digital literacy at national levels.
Evidence & Outputs
GAN New Zealand is pleased and delighted to support the Microsoft Skilling Initiative here in New Zealand. The Microsoft offer is a wonderful contribution to a critically necessary global upskilling effort. GAN New Zealand will support this extraordinary offer on the ground with a focus on inclusive growth, to enable new possibilities and pathways to tech careers for Māori, Pasifika, and women.
Josh Williams
Country Manager, GAN New Zealand and Head of Consulting, Skills Group
