In the three months since its launch, the initiative has reached 10 million engaged learners in 231 countries – and more than 83 000 in South Africa. So far, Software Developer, Customer Service Specialist, and Data Analyst have emerged as the most popular and in-demand learning paths.
The initiative aims to bring new digital skills to underserved populations and reskill workers impacted by COVID-19 and the economic crisis it precipitated. Unemployment is a widespread challenge in South Africa, hitting 30.1% in the first quarter of 2020 and steadily rising because of the impact of the pandemic. The latest statistics show that the economy shed a further 2.2 million jobs in the second quarter, with the expanded unemployment rate rising to 42 percent. Read more via Microsoft News