Residents across the Lowcountry have new opportunities for professional growth that are emerging through a local initiative aimed at building a digitally skilled workforce.

Charleston Digital has announced a partnership with Google to provide free access to Google Career Certificates for residents in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties. The training initiative, available through the Charleston Learning Center, offers self-paced, online programs designed to prepare participants for high-demand, high-growth careers in as little as three to six months.

Available certificates include:

  • AI Essentials
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
  • IT Support
  • Project Management
  • UX Design

The courses, hosted on the Coursera platform, require no prior experience and are structured to accommodate working adults or career changers.

“We are honored Google has selected the Charleston Learning Center to bring the Google Career Certificates to our community,” said Ernest Andrade, executive director of Charleston Digital. “I am confident that individuals successfully completing these certificates will enjoy better employment and economic outcomes.”

While a majority of jobs created since 2010 require medium- to high-level digital skills, one in three American workers currently lacks sufficient digital proficiency. The new program aims to close that gap locally.

“Investing in a skilled workforce helps support today’s job needs and also builds a stronger workforce for the future,” said Amber Tillman, Google’s head of data center public affairs. “Google is proud to partner with Charleston Digital to drive innovation, growth and opportunity across the Lowcountry.”

The initiative is also supported by an employer consortium of more than 150 companies — including Walmart, Verizon and Google — and Charleston Digital plans to connect local employers with graduates of the program.

Berkeley Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Elaine Morgan noted the program’s value.

“These self-paced, online training programs are ideal for individuals seeking career advancement and for businesses looking to strengthen their talent pipeline,” she said.

To learn more, visit charlestonlc.org/certificates.



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