RiseUp with ServiceNow to create pathways into the tech world

There’s an old saying: “Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not.” This opportunity gap has reached a critical phase for organizations and the world.

That’s why we’re introducing RiseUp with ServiceNow, a global career development program designed to skill 1 million people worldwide on the Now Platform® by 2024. We’re doubling down on our commitment to make the world work better for everyone by opening opportunities for people from all backgrounds, experiences, and ambitions to enter the high-growth tech world.

The world of work is at an inflection point. Businesses are facing a digital skills shortage that’s only going to get worse. Clear trajectories and talent groups no longer exist. Nearly every job today is a digital job, and there aren’t enough workers with the skills needed to fill them. In fact, 87% of global leaders admit their companies are unprepared to address this gap, according to McKinsey.

At the same time, employees have more options and power than ever before. They want to do meaningful work, and they’re not willing to settle for less. To address these issues, businesses must think outside the box.

Mind the gap

Although the talent pool is diverse and wide, we face an opportunity gap across three dimensions.

First, many companies are using automated tools and revamped processes to free employees for higher-intellect tasks. That’s a great first step, but there’s no second step. Often, those employees aren’t given opportunities to fill that extra time with growing and gaining skills. As a result, many choose to leave. The opportunity is to nurture those people to grow their skills sets and careers while increasing their contribution to the company.

Second, many workers are being displaced by the changing job market. According to the World Economic Forum, 85 million people will be displaced by 2025. People in industries with high technology turnover, such as healthcare, life sciences, and business analytics, risk getting left behind when best practices change.

The Amazon Upskilling Report indicates that workers from these high-turnover industries want to participate in upskilling and reskilling programs but often lack the opportunity to do so. What if we helped those employees acquire the transferable skills they’re missing?

For example, a business analyst in a law firm might have a good understanding of processes and strong communication skills. With additional training, they could easily become a technology business analyst or workflow designer.

Third, huge communities of people have never had the chance to enter the digital workforce. Given the right opportunity, education, and financial and job-seeking support, they can gain digital skills that apply to every industry and job.

These three talent groups present a chance to bring fresh perspectives, different experiences, and more diversity into the technology market and to all the industries that rely on tech.

3 ways we’re helping candidates rise up

RiseUp with ServiceNow includes three initiatives designed to close the opportunity gap by building easier, faster, and fairer ways for people to enter the digital job market.

1. Knocking down walls—We’re introducing affordable, flexible educational programs that allow participants to learn at their own pace, including our free Welcome to ServiceNow course, hands-on lessons, networking opportunities, and virtual events. Smart technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning will scale the program, making it more accessible to people around the world.

2. Fostering diverse talent—Since we launched the NextGen program in 2020, it’s provided training and career support for marginalized and nontraditional talent, including refugees and veterans. RiseUp with ServiceNow will expand our reach to these talent pools through initiatives such as our Northeastern University bootcamp and apprenticeship program and our SkillBridge post-career training and placement program for military members and their spouses.

3. Connecting people with jobs—People need jobs, fast. Our Partner Placement Program will match job-ready professionals with ServiceNow customers and partners. Students will continue to get the education they need through instructor-led sessions that combine hands-on exercises with leadership training.
   
   

Transforming the future

According to IDC, 90% of organizations won’t have the talent they need by 2025, resulting in a loss of more than $6.5 trillion globally.¹ We owe the global talent pool our responsibility and accountability to meet them where they are and create a better future.

This is an exciting time. We have the chance to change what it means to be an employer and an employee. We’re doing that by opening career opportunities to everyone, regardless of background, to help solve the world’s biggest challenges.

Find out more about RiseUp with ServiceNow.

¹ IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Future of Work 2022 Predictions, Doc # US47290521, October 2021

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