The International Baccalaureate (IB), a global leader in international education, has joined hands with Microsoft to become an official Career-related studies (CRS) strategic partner.

The collaboration between IB and Microsoft enables CP students worldwide to access and complete two Microsoft Skills Learning Path (MSLP) courses – Microsoft Skills Modules and Microsoft Certifications- through either face-to-face or hybrid learning.

“Our new collaboration with Microsoft will offer CP students the opportunity to undertake recognised qualifications that will give them an invaluable head start, by allowing them to develop the skills and practical experience required to build a career in a fast-changing world,” said Matt Costello, Chief Business Development Officer at the International Baccalaureate.

The Career-related Programme (CP) is an innovative blend of academic study and career skills that incorporates the vision and educational principles of the IB into a unique programme specifically developed for students who wish to engage in career-related learning.

Career-related Programme (CP) students are required to complete at least two Diploma Programme (DP) courses, the CP core and an approved career-related study. CP students engage with a rigorous study programme that genuinely interests them, while gaining transferable and lifelong skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural engagement. CRS providers– such as Microsoft –, offer courses to form the career-related study component of the CP programme. Students who complete the CP programme receive the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme Certificate and the certification awarded by the career-related study provider.

“Digital technology and tools can play a central role in fostering a more inclusive and in-demand skilled-based labour market that can be advanced when we work together in new ways to provide students with easier access to develop these skills.

“The Microsoft Skills Learning Path courses provide self-paced, digital learning and resources to help build technology skills and understanding.

“Working with the International Baccalaureate helps us empower and enable students gain expertise in high-demand technology skills through training, leading to industry-recognized Microsoft certifications,” said Rick Herrmann, Vice President Worldwide Public Sector Education, at Microsoft.

According to the IB, Microsoft courses will enable CP students to build technology skills and understanding that can contribute to their future careers by developing competencies in computational thinking, problem-solving, critical and design thinking and basic programming.

CP students can access Microsoft courses such as Coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science and technical topics such as Microsoft Azure AI, Data Analytics or Cybersecurity.