VMware, Inc (NYSE:VMW), a leading innovator in enterprise software today launched VMware Aurora, a program that aims to empower persons with disabilities with the digital skills needed in today's digital workforce. The program will provide free training with a diverse set of courses and learning materials in digital and sales skills ranging from computer security and internet safety to customer relationship management, to help persons with disabilities to upskill and increase their employability in today's digital workforce.
VMware Aurora marks VMware's regional commitment to support persons with disabilities. Outside of its global initiatives, Aurora is currently catered for Singapore, with plans to expand to other countries in Asia Pacific and Japan. Working closely with various industry partners in the ecosystem such as SG Enable, Temasek Polytechnic, Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, Tomowork, Up 2 Speed and LinkedIn, the programme aims to equip 1,000 persons with disabilities with both business and technical skills for the future economy. The self-paced courses are delivered online via a combination of VMware curated courses and LinkedIn courses, and will provide individuals with digital and sales skills of varying capability levels from one to five. Individuals will be awarded certifications that indicate course completion after successfully completing each level and undergoing its relevant assessments.
"Our vision of building a more equitable, sustainable and secure future for our region is rooted in creating equal opportunities for everyone. To create a truly inclusive economy, it is fundamental to equip persons with disabilities with the right skills so that they too are future-ready and remain employable in IT and broader industries. We believe that technology can level the playing field for persons with disabilities and enable them to reap benefits in a digital future. The digital economy offers many opportunities and benefits and with the right skills and knowledge, we hope to empower persons with disabilities to better their lives and drive them towards greater success with their unique skillsets."
Craig Dobson, VMware's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Lead, Asia Pacific and Japan, and Vice President of Professional Services.
According to UNESCAP, there is an estimated 472 million working-age persons with disabilities in Asia Pacific and Japan. This highlights the importance for individuals to upskill themselves with digital skills so that they have an opportunity to participate in the technology industry and bridge the talent gap. The program will be made available to those with disabilities who are citizens or permanent residents residing in Singapore aged 17 and above who have completed a secondary level of formal education or who are graduating students of a local Polytechnic or Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and have a keen interest in learning or working in the tech industry.
The launch of VMware Aurora builds on VMware's commitment to build disability inclusion into its agenda by creating a more inclusive workplace for those with disabilities and deepening its understanding of disability inclusion. Over the past two years, VMware kicked off multiple global inclusion initiatives which includes its first-ever Accessibility Week with a summit followed by an accessibility hackathon across five countries and six business units resulting in the development of ten concepts that tackle the challenges persons with disabilities face. VMware also launched a Disability Power of Difference (POD) community to roll out a series of awareness-building learning courses.
About VMware
VMware software powers the world's complex digital infrastructure. The company's cloud, app modernization, networking, security, and digital workspace offerings help customers deliver any application on any cloud across any device. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to being a force for good, from its breakthrough technology innovations to its global impact.