EY, a global professional services firm, and Microsoft, the tech giant, have jointly unveiled the Green Skills Passport initiative. This innovative, free online education program is designed to empower young individuals with the necessary sustainability skills to secure environmentally-focused employment and explore opportunities in the green economy.
This program is an integral component of the ongoing partnership between EY and Microsoft, which was initiated last year. Their collaborative efforts are geared towards upskilling the youth and facilitating the entry or re-entry of millions into the workforce or entrepreneurial ventures, with a specific emphasis on sustainability, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Jean-Philippe Courtois, EVP and President of National Transformation Partnerships at Microsoft, expressed their pride in expanding their collaboration with EY to offer these distinctive programs. They aim to bridge the gap between education and employability, contributing to social equity and nurturing future leaders.
The program seeks to address the shortage of sustainability-related skills, as projected by the International Labor Organization, with an estimated creation of 24 million green jobs by 2030. It comprises a 10-hour virtual course, utilizing EY-curated learning paths, and is delivered through the Microsoft Community Training platform. Key subjects covered include sustainability, entrepreneurship, and employability skills such as resume writing and interview preparation.
Upon completion of the course, participants receive a certificate jointly issued by EY and Microsoft. Furthermore, they gain access to a comprehensive database of websites and resources for green job searches, fostering their journey towards environmentally-focused careers.
EY and Microsoft’s joint effort builds upon the success of pilot Green Skills Passport programs in the United States, India, and Bangladesh. With over 1,400 course completions, these initiatives have influenced 61% of participants to consider applying for green jobs and motivated 43% to contemplate enrolling in university programs related to sustainability or pursuing additional related courses.
Andy Baldwin, EY Global Managing Partner – Client Service, emphasized that this collaboration transcends a conventional alliance, illustrating their shared commitment to making a positive social impact. These programs exemplify their dedication to equipping young individuals with the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
- Press release
