Front Range Community College announced on Monday that it is collaborating with the global technology company IBM on an initiative to offer new data analytics and cybersecurity certificates nationwide. The collaboration is meant to address the shortage of tech talent workers.

“Front Range Community College is honored to have been selected as one of four colleges nationally to collaborate in designing and launching IBM’s new SkillsBuild cybersecurity and data analytics credentials,” FRCC President Colleen Simpson said in a release.

“This collaboration with renowned technology leader IBM provides our students a phenomenal opportunity to develop critical skill sets in two rapidly growing fields.”

FRCC started offering data analytics in the fall of 2023 as part of IBM’s pilot program that included four schools nationally. FRCC was selected to help design and pilot the new college-level industry certifications in data analytics.

Then, FRCC expanded to offer cybersecurity in the spring. The small pilot was successful enough that IBM is now expanding to launch at more community colleges across the country.

Cybersecurity and data analytics skills are essential for artificial intelligence innovation, enabling professionals to extract insights, secure critical information, drive informed decisions and create value across industries in an increasingly data-centric and security-conscious world.

“We understand that cybersecurity and data analytics are essential skills to tomorrow’s workforce,” Gina King, IBM Senior State Executive Colorado, said in the release.

“That’s why IBM is investing in training programs to help students become job-ready, at no cost. This is part of our commitment to train 30 million learners worldwide by 2030.”

According to a global study by the IBM Institute of Business Value, executives estimate that implementing AI and automation will require 40% of their workforce to reskill over the next three years, mostly those in entry-level positions.

This public-private partnership is aimed to help close the skills gap.

“Together IBM and FRCC are making sure students learn these essential skills,” Kishore Menezes said in the release. Menezes is a faculty member who helped design the college’s courses.

“Our students learn the ins and outs of data, while earning a highly respected credential from a premier company like IBM,” she said.

The certificates are open to FRCC students remotely at any campus. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/2uemv94z.