Pega expands Global University Programme to address IT talent shortage and upskill developers
Pegasystems has announced the expansion of its Pega University Programme to provide organisations with a reliable pipeline of Pega-certified developers as the global demand for IT talent continues to grow.
The programme, which launched in India in 2016, will now operate in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, offering participating clients and partners pre-trained professionals ready to contribute upon completing their certification.
The tech industry faces a significant skills shortage, with projections from IDC estimating that over 90% of organisations worldwide will struggle to find qualified IT talent by 2026. These shortages, according to IDC, could lead to potential losses of $5.5 trillion in delayed projects, reduced competitiveness, and missed business opportunities. To mitigate these challenges, many companies are turning to upskilling programmes to develop their own tech talent.
Pega’s newly expanded University Programme is designed to alleviate the burden on companies to recruit and train new professionals. The initiative, in partnership with TalentSprint, a deep-tech education provider, collaborates with select universities globally to provide structured training for students, culminating in their certification as Pega developers. Many graduates of the programme are often presented with employment opportunities at leading global organisations.
Mary Tafuri, Vice President of Global Go-To-Market Enablement & Effectiveness at Pega, underscored the significance of the expansion:
“Our expanded Pega University Programme is strategically designed to meet the immediate needs of our clients and partners by providing a dependable pipeline of Pega-certified talent, ready to contribute from day one.
“We see tremendous potential in this initiative to drive progress for both aspiring professionals and the organisations they will serve.”
The Pega University Programme offers two distinct participation models for organisations. The first, the "Hire, Train, and Deploy" option, allows TalentSprint to manage the recruitment and training process from start to finish. Organisations can issue conditional job offers to selected candidates, with TalentSprint’s Pega-certified instructors providing comprehensive training before they begin their roles.
The second option, "Graduate Upskilling," is designed for companies that have already identified recent graduates or interns they wish to train. These students are enrolled in the Pega University Programme to become certified developers through specialised training provided by seasoned instructors.
Since its inception, the programme has trained and placed over 10,000 professionals in the Pega ecosystem, with 46% of them being women. By expanding to new regions, the programme aims to support a broader range of organisations and universities while helping to address the global IT skills gap. The curriculum offers students both technical expertise and practical experience, enhancing their employability and contributing to the growth of the Pega-certified workforce.
Dr Santanu Paul, Founder and CEO of TalentSprint, highlighted the impact of the collaboration:
“At TalentSprint, we are committed to creating transformational journeys for our learners. Partnering with Pega allows us to extend our impact globally, equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills in Pega technology.
“This collaboration is not just about education; it's about empowering individuals to thrive in the digital economy, while simultaneously addressing the talent needs of our clients and partners on a global scale."
