Pearson Stock Price, News & Analysis

Pearson's Skills Map U.S. predicts 1.9 million new jobs will be created through 2028, despite automation, AI, and demographic shifts reshaping the job market. The report, based on an analysis of 85 million U.S. job ads, emphasizes that all jobs are becoming 'tech jobs' as businesses integrate advanced technologies.

Key findings include:

• Technology expertise will be in high demand across all sectors
• Human skills remain essential
• Upskilling and reskilling will be critical

The report focuses on the 'Three A's' - automation, AI, and an aging population - as key drivers of change. It highlights the growing importance of blending technical expertise with industry-specific skills and the need for businesses to rethink workforce strategies.

Pearson has launched a Generative AI Foundations certification to address the growing demand for AI skills across industries. The program, developed by Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, aims to equip professionals and students, including high schoolers, with essential skills for working with generative AI technologies. The certification is part of Certiport's Critical Career Skills portfolio and was created in partnership with Mindstone, a global leader in AI training.

The certification will be available from October 1 through Mindhub and Certiport, with flexible purchasing options. It will validate proficiency in key areas such as understanding generative AI methods and models, mastering prompt engineering basics, and grasping the societal impact of AI. According to the 2024 Work Trend Index Annual Report, 66% of business leaders would not hire candidates lacking AI skills, highlighting the importance of such certifications in the current job market.

Pearson's Connections Academy has expanded its college and early career program to over 20 schools, now covering more than half of its supported schools in the US. This expansion provides tens of thousands of middle and high school students with opportunities to earn college credits and industry certifications. The program's tri-credit approach offers high school credit, industry-recognized micro-credentials, and eligibility for college credit towards US bachelor's degree programs.

The initiative has doubled career partnerships, increasing students' exposure to industry experiences. New partnerships include Future Business Leaders of America, The Home Depot, HOSA-Future Health Professionals, and the SEMI Foundation. The program also provides access to career assessments, post-secondary planning, career coaching, and engagement with professionals in STEM, film, and creative careers.

Pearson's GED Testing Service announces the first National GED Day on September 16, 2024, celebrating GED achievements and non-traditional educational pathways. This initiative aims to recognize GED learners, educators, and supporters, highlighting the importance of adult education in opening doors to higher education and career prospects.

With over 40 million adults lacking a high school diploma, GED Testing Service serves 700,000 learners annually. The day encourages involvement through social media engagement, sharing personal journeys, and community college outreach. Since 1942, the GED test has helped over 21 million graduates access better jobs and college programs, emphasizing its role in promoting lifelong learning and equal opportunities for all.

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) has launched new AI-powered higher education tools to enhance personalized learning for college students. Available through Pearson+ Channels, these tools include:

1. Personalized study and exam prep: Generates custom learning plans based on course syllabi.
2. Interactive video learning: Allows students to ask questions during video lessons.
3. Expanded AI study tools: Provides problem-solving assistance and unique content.

These features complement Pearson's existing AI tools used by over 2 million students at 1,000+ institutions. The company aims to improve student performance and create a more engaging experience for both students and faculty through responsible AI application.

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) has announced new generative AI-powered tools to enhance teaching and learning across various age levels. Key innovations include:

1. Expanded reach of AI study tools to c.80 more titles, including international editions.
2. New AI features in Pearson+ Channels: syllabus upload for personalized learning, AI tutor for problem-solving, and AI tutor for video content.
3. AI tool for instructors to efficiently build assignments in 25 US titles.
4. Adaptation of AI tools for high school curriculum in Connections Academy.
5. Development of an AI teaching assistant for English language teachers.

These tools aim to provide a richer, more engaging experience for students and increase educator efficiency. Pearson's AI application is backed by learning scientists, vetted by experts, and based on trusted content.

Pearson reported solid H1 2024 financial performance, with underlying Group sales growth of 2% excluding OPM and Strategic Review businesses. Adjusted operating profit grew 4% to £250m on an underlying basis. Free cash flow improved significantly to £27m, up £77m year-over-year. The company remains on track to meet FY2024 expectations and reiterates guidance through 2025.

Key highlights include:

• Assessment & Qualifications sales grew 2%
• Higher Education sales declined 2%, in line with phasing guidance
• English Language Learning sales increased 11%
• Workforce Skills sales grew 6%

Beyond 2025, Pearson expects to deliver mid-single digit underlying sales CAGR and sustained margin improvement averaging 40 basis points annually. The company sees growth opportunities in early careers and enterprise skilling, driven by demographic shifts and AI advancements.

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) has appointed Ginny Cartwright Ziegler as its new Chief Marketing Officer, effective July 29, 2024. Ziegler, with over 30 years of marketing leadership experience, will report to CEO Omar Abbosh and lead the company's marketing, brand, and communications efforts. She succeeds Lynne Frank, who is stepping down from her dual role.

Ziegler joins Pearson from Accenture, where she was CMO for North America, driving double-digit growth over four years. Her focus at Pearson will be on innovating marketing strategies, incorporating AI and advanced technologies into customer journeys, and advancing Pearson's brand position. The appointment aligns with Pearson's increased focus on AI and enterprise learning efforts.

Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L) has been awarded a four-year contract by the UK Cabinet Office to deliver a new online learning experience platform for central government employees. The platform will provide a unified access point for all government learning resources, allowing users to create profiles, track completed learning, and receive personalized training recommendations. It aims to generate comprehensive data on skills availability across the government, supporting strategic workforce planning.

Out of 68 interested suppliers, Pearson was selected after a rigorous procurement process. The platform, developed in collaboration with Pearson's ventures company HowNow, will enable employees to build 'Skills Passports' and is set to be implemented across government over the next two years.