ServiceNow Restructures RiseUp: A New Path for Digital Talent

ServiceNow, a leading digital workflow company, has announced a restructuring of its RiseUp workforce training program, aiming to skill one million people on its platform by 2024. The program, launched in 2022, focused on lowering barriers to learning, expanding opportunities for tech talent, and placing newly skilled talent in jobs. However, the restructuring involves a reduction in staff, which may impact the program's reach and outcomes.

The RiseUp program initially targeted a diverse range of participants, offering free courses and job-related certifications to foster a more inclusive tech industry. The restructuring, while reducing the program's staff, maintains its commitment to job placement and the continued availability of online learning resources. This shift may introduce new challenges but also presents opportunities for growth and innovation.

One of the key changes in the RiseUp program structure is the reduced focus on in-house academies and training partnerships. ServiceNow has scaled back its in-house academies and training partnerships with non-profit and government agencies, which may limit the program's ability to provide hands-on training and support to a diverse range of participants. However, the shift towards online learning, with over 600 free courses and 18 job-related certification paths, increases accessibility and may lead to a decline in personalized support and mentorship.

Despite the staff cuts, ServiceNow remains committed to placing newly skilled talent in jobs. The ServiceNow Partner Placement Program, which helps customers and partners source, train, and assess talent from diverse backgrounds, is expected to continue and potentially expand, with a target of 25 total partners by the end of 2023. This focus on job placement could lead to improved job placement rates, as partners may have more resources and incentives to hire RiseUp participants.



The restructuring of the RiseUp program may impact the diversity and inclusivity of ServiceNow's talent pool. The reduction in in-house academies and training partnerships may limit the program's ability to reach and support individuals from non-traditional backgrounds. Additionally, the shift towards online learning may require participants to be more self-driven and comfortable with digital platforms, potentially reducing the diversity of participants.

In conclusion, while the restructuring of the RiseUp program following staff cuts may introduce new challenges, ServiceNow's commitment to job placement and the continued availability of online learning resources suggest that the program will remain an important initiative for fostering digital talent. To maintain its commitment to empowering people and fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce, ServiceNow should consider alternative strategies, such as leveraging technology for self-paced learning, partnering with educational institutions, and engaging with non-profit organizations to expand access to training. By doing so, ServiceNow can maintain its commitment to skilling one million people by 2024 and addressing the digital transformation-related IT skills shortage.