Google Cloud boosts Indonesian students with tech skills launchpad

Google Cloud, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Informatics (Kemenkominfo), has launched the Google Cloud Career Launchpad initiative in Indonesia.

The programme aims to equip new-to-industry learners with in-demand cloud skills necessary for entry-level roles in today's technology-driven job market.

The initiative seeks to benefit 8,500 students over the next 12 months. Plans are also in place to expand the programme to reach more students in both metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. The initial launch will include 21 Kemenkominfo higher education partners. These institutions will offer students no-cost access to programmes and courses that can lead to the earning of industry-recognised Google Cloud Certificates and skills badges in areas such as generative AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering.

Nezar Patria, Vice Minister of Communications and Informatics, emphasised the importance of a skilled cloud workforce for Indonesia's digital transformation. He stated, "A skilled cloud workforce is needed to accelerate and sustain Indonesia's digital transformation. This is why we're partnering with Google Cloud on its Cloud Career Launchpad, an initiative that enables students at higher education institutions to earn nationally-recognised Google Cloud skills credentials at no cost, opening doors to jobs in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and cloud engineering."

Students who complete the programmes can translate their learning outcomes into Digital Talent Scholarship (DTS) e-certificates, which are verifiable in real-time. These e-certificates will grant students access to Kemenkominfo's Diploy (Digital Employment) platform, allowing them to apply for relevant job and internship openings. The initiatives are set to be available from September 2024, with students already able to express early interest through Kemenkominfo's DTS platform.

Google Cloud Career Launchpad includes various courses and certificates designed to build expertise in different aspects of cloud computing. These include:

• Cloud Computing Foundations Certificate: An introductory programme covering cloud basics, big data, and machine learning.
• Cloud Engineering Certificate: A programme focused on cloud infrastructure, preparing individuals for roles such as cloud engineer and cloud solution architect.
• Cloud Data Analytics Certificate: A programme that teaches data structuring, storage, access, and visualisation using cloud tools.
• Cloud Cybersecurity Certificate: A programme concentrating on networks, security models, and tools for addressing threats, risks, and vulnerabilities.
• Cloud Digital Leader skills badge: A course designed to build cloud literacy and evaluate the capabilities of Google Cloud.
• Generative AI skills badge: A three-course pathway covering the basics of generative AI, responsible AI, and the integration of multimodal prompts into workflows.

Fanly Tanto, Country Director, Indonesia, Google Cloud, highlighted the broader implications of the initiative. He said, "Organizations are increasingly looking to drive tangible business outcomes through their deployment of enterprise-grade gen AI solutions at scale, triggering a rise in demand and employment opportunities for skilled cloud talent. To bridge the cloud talent gap, we're launching Google Cloud Career Launchpad, in partnership with Kemenkominfo, to enable students from 21 higher education institutions to acquire Google Cloud credentials that unlock job opportunities and rank amongst the highest-paying IT certifications globally."

Participating institutions include a range of universities and polytechnics across Indonesia, such as the Bandung Institute of Technology, University of Indonesia, and Telkom University, among others. These educational establishments will play a crucial role in implementing the Google Cloud Career Launchpad, ensuring that students from various regions have access to these resources.

The initiative also provides additional tools to enhance career prospects. Learners can showcase their credentials on Credly, a global platform for issuing and validating digital credentials. This allows recruiters to connect with candidates based on their specific Google Cloud qualifications. The platform also offers Labour Market Insights to help learners discover job openings that match their skills. Additionally, the Interview Warmup tool, powered by Google's gen AI, helps learners practice interview questions, providing real-time transcriptions and insights into their responses.

The introduction of the Google Cloud Career Launchpad in Indonesia marks a concerted effort to develop local cloud talent and accelerate the nation's digital transformation, in alignment with the Digital Indonesia Vision (VID) 2045.