EY and Microsoft have announced the launch of Green Skills Passport, which helps students aged 16 and over develop green skills with the aim of finding jobs and opportunities in the green economy.
This free online program is part of an ongoing social impact collaboration focused on sustainability, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and upskilling for young people.
Green Skills Passport aims to enable students to thrive in this evolving market and provide non-governmental organizations with a platform to empower underserved communities with new employable skills.
Through a 10-hour virtual course, participants can work at their own pace and learn key topics such as sustainability, entrepreneurship and skills for employment. Green Skills Passport offers a detailed approach to skills development, providing students with EY-curated learning opportunities delivered on the Microsoft Community Training platform.
EY and Microsoft have successfully launched the Green Skills Passport pilot programs in the US, India and Bangladesh. So far, more than 1,400 course completions and certifications have been awarded with 61 percent of students planning to apply for green jobs and 43 percent planning to enroll in a university degree in sustainability or take more related classes.
Andy Baldwin, EY global managing partner, client service, said: “The collaboration between EY and Microsoft extends beyond a traditional alliance, showcasing our shared dedication to generating social impact. These programs are a testament to our desire to contribute equipping young individuals with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.”
Jean-Philippe Courtois, EVP and president, national transformation partnerships at Microsoft, said: “We’re proud to continue growing our collaboration with EY to offer these unique programs that bridge the gap between education and employability. Through these programs, we are taking steps toward social equity and empowering leaders of the future.”
Both companies have collaborated on a multitude of programs to empower job seekers with the skills needed for the digital future, furthering the EY Ripples ambition to impact 1 billion lives by 2030. This program also supports Microsoft’s focus on building a more equitable, sustainable and inclusive future for all. Other social programs delivered by EY and Microsoft include Entrepreneurship for Positive Impact, Future Skills Workshops and EY STEM App.
