National Skills Coalition Report: We Must Close the Digital Skill Divide

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast Corporation emphasizes the urgent need for digital skills training, particularly among workers of color and those without higher education. A recent report indicates that 92% of jobs require digital skills, yet nearly one-third of US workers lack these opportunities. Upskilling can yield a 23% increase in wages, while companies can save over $27,000 per role by providing such training. Comcast's Project UP and partnerships aim to bridge this gap by empowering communities through digital literacy initiatives. The call for collaboration between public and private sectors is crucial to ensuring equitable access to digital education and workforce development.

Positive

• Launch of Project UP to advance digital equity with a $1 billion commitment.
• Successful Internet Essentials program, increasing broadband subscriptions for over 10 million individuals.
• Partnerships with organizations to enhance digital skills access in underserved communities.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 3, 2023 / Comcast Corporation

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The US workforce has a high demand for digital skills, yet many workers - particularly workers of color and those without higher education - lack these skills.
2. Federal funds should increase access to digital skills training, by providing vital support to small businesses, drive economic mobility for individual workers, and benefit the broader economy.
3. Prioritizing upskilling, especially within entry-level jobs, can close digital equity gaps and create business growth.

The digital divide is a complex issue that includes barriers to digital adoption and access. However, there is another key element of the issue that is too often ignored: the digital skills gap.

Earlier this week, the National Skills Coalition (NSC) released a report in conjunction with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta on the task at hand and what it means to close the digital skills divide in the workforce.

Here are the key numbers:

92%

92% of jobs available today require digital or likely digital skills - yet nearly one-third of US workers lack opportunities to build these skills.

23%

Jobs that require even one digital skill can earn an average of 23% more than jobs requiring no digital skills - an increase of $8,000 in annual income.

$27K

Businesses can save more than $27,000 per position when they offer upskilling opportunities, versus the cost of replacing a worker who departs.

What does this report tell us?

Across every industry and firm size, the US labor market shows an incredible demand for digital skills and workforce development. This is the reality we face today - not a projection of where jobs will be in the future. When we close the digital skills divide, we can create big payoffs for individuals, businesses, and the overall economy.

What should we do?

The answer lies in partnerships. Both the public and private sectors must work together to equip workers with digital skills. These skills must be both fundamental, like using a computer, and industry specific, like using bookkeeping software.

With an unprecedented federal investment in broadband deployment and adoption, there is no better time for government, private companies, and community organizations to collaborate.

Policymakers can use federal Digital Equity Act and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds to supercharge free or low-cost digital skills training programs. Such programs include Digital Navigators, in which local experts help folks understand the importance of digital skills and how to access available resources, like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Across the nation at Comcast, we've launched a network of Digital Navigators who are breaking down barriers to digital literacy and helping more people get and stay online.

As these federal funds are distributed, we have a special opportunity to bring digital skills resources to the communities that need them the most. This includes workers of color as well as small businesses and education providers, many of which rely on publicly funded programs to upskill employees.

The NSC's findings reiterate why I am so proud of the work Comcast has been doing for so long and why we are proud to call NSC a valued partner. Over the last decade, we have grown our Internet Essentials program, the largest and most successful broadband adoption initiative in the industry. Through that program, more than 10 million individuals have become broadband subscribers.

And through Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to help advance digital equity, we're partnering with organizations like CodePath, Hispanic Federation, NPower, and Per Scholas to create equitable access to skills and training so more people secure good jobs and climb the economic ladder.

One of the featured states in the NSC report is Illinois, which Comcast is proud to serve. 90% of the jobs in that state require digital skills. That's why we're working with local organizations like City Colleges of Chicago to ensure students can build critical digital skills.

The pandemic accelerated digital transformation. The importance of not only digital access but also digital skills is clear, and so is the path forward. The NSC's report lays out a roadmap to close the digital skills divide, through increased public investments in digital skill-building.

With this knowledge in hand, let's continue to build and nurture partnerships across the public and private sectors to give everyone the opportunity to succeed in today's digital world.

Broderick Johnson is Executive Vice President, Public Policy & Executive Vice President, Digital Equity.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Comcast Corporation on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Comcast Corporation
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/comcast-corporation
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Comcast Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/741906/National-Skills-Coalition-Report-We-Must-Close-the-Digital-Skill-Divide

FAQ

What is the significance of the National Skills Coalition report for Comcast (CMCSA)?

The report highlights the increasing demand for digital skills in the workforce, aligning with Comcast's initiatives to address this gap through upskilling programs.

How does digital skills training impact job earnings according to Comcast (CMCSA)?

Workers with digital skills can earn 23% more annually, translating to an increase of approximately $8,000 in income.

What is Comcast's investment in digital skills programs as mentioned in the PR?

Comcast has committed $1 billion to Project UP, aimed at improving digital equity and helping individuals gain necessary skills.

How does the digital skills gap affect Comcast's business objectives?

Addressing the digital skills gap is crucial for Comcast's growth as it aligns with their mission to foster economic mobility and enhance workforce readiness.

What role does the federal government play in digital skills training according to the report?

The report suggests that federal funds should support digital skills training, benefiting both small businesses and individual workers.