McKenna Institute Blog

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In today's fast-paced digital world, having a strong digital skills foundation is no longer optional—it's essential. With the rapid advancement of digital tools and AI technologies, staying ahead means continuously learning and adapting.

That’s why the McKenna Institute has partnered with IBM to deliver over 10,000 courses in fields ranging from project management, IT, data analytics, and AI technologies. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or enhance your existing ones, these online courses are available for free through the McKenna Institute’s website and the IBM SkillsBuild platform for all New Brunswickers.

We've seen over 3,000 New Brunswickers use the platform to learn a new skill or brush up on a skill with free online learning, and we have also seen it used in organizations like the Saint John Newcomers Centre, Multicultural Association of Fredericton, and the New Brunswick Multicultural Council to help upskill and reskill newcomers and students for different roles and fill in skill gaps.

This partnership with IBM ties into the mission of the McKenna Institute: to advance New Brunswick's digital capabilities by fostering collaboration among local communities, government, industry leaders, non-profits, and academia.  By nurturing innovative ideas and developing talent, we are laying the groundwork for a more digitally adept province. 

The users we’ve seen love that the courses offered are free and self-paced; many in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data analysis, and cloud computing. SkillsBuild empowers individuals to gain valuable skills, enhancing their employability and career prospects. 

The program also features career assessments and customized learning plans tailored to individual goals. There are digital micro-credentials and certifications available in a wide range of in-demand fields. For instance, there are digital pathways that provide a series of courses that will give a foundational understanding of data fundamentals from the comfort of their own home at their own pace. We’ve seen participants use the micro-credential gained to bolster their resumes and advance their careers.

There are also digital credentials and pathways like “Job Application Essentials” that provide an overview of how to stand out to employers; “Working in a Digital World: Professional Skills” to boost basic digital skills useful to the workplace; and there are pathways available for more intermediate users in subjects like data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.

Beyond the technical skills that are available to be explored in the platform, there are plenty of pathways available that we’ve seen users use to educate and develop other professional skills. An instructor at the University of New Brunswick has used the platform to complement their teaching, encouraging students to earn a Digital Wellness badge as part of her courses. In addition to digital wellness, there are courses available in digital literacy that are crucial for any online user as the line between true and false information online becomes continually blurred.

Learners have also cultivated critical problem-solving abilities, web development skills, and project management expertise, all of which are vital for driving innovation and efficiency in industry and boost skills desired by employers across the province. By leveraging IBM SkillsBuild, organizations can build a resilient and skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of the future. 

There are several group cohort sessions currently being developed to help provide structured learning. These cohort sessions run over a concentrated period ranging from two to four weeks and include guided learning with the support of a cohort of like-minded learners with expert one-on-one support and credentials that can be earned upon completion of the course.

As we step into the new year, the IBM SkillsBuild platform stands as a beacon of opportunity for New Brunswickers. By offering free, accessible, and high-quality educational resources, it empowers individuals to enhance their digital skills and adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

This initiative not only supports personal growth but also strengthens the province's digital landscape, fostering a community of skilled professionals ready to drive innovation and economic development. Now is the time to seize these opportunities and build a brighter, more digitally adept future for all.

David Itoafa is a Digital Success Coordinator at the McKenna Institute.