Google LLC today introduced a new online certification initiative designed to equip workers with skills that can help them join the tech industry.

The program, which will become available on Coursera starting Jan. 23, focuses on training participants for information technology support jobs. Google said there are currently 150,000 open positions in this field in the United States alone. The average starting salary is $52,000, driven by steadily rising demand for talent that’s expected to surpass the average national growth rate across other professions.

From a logistical standpoint, the fact that technical support mainly relies on practical knowledge makes it a good pick for an online training initiative. The Google IT Support Professional Certificate includes 64 hours of video lessons plus interactive tests designed to help learners gain hands-on experience before entering the job market.

The material is organized into six courses. Google said learners don’t require any previous technical experiences to take part and can expect to earn the certificate in eight to 12 months.

At that point, participants are given the opportunity to send their resumes to several large organizations that are backing the initiative. Besides Google, the group includes Bank of America Corp. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and a half-dozen others.

The training program is a cost-efficient way for the search giant to increase the supply of talent in a field where qualified professionals can be tricky to come by. Plus, the move demonstrates a willingness on Google’s part to address the job losses that are expected to occur in traditional industries thanks to artificial intelligence and the other new technologies that it’s helping to spread.

The program is part of a broader initiative, which Google announced in October, that’s meant to help Americans gain sought-after skills. Dubbed Grow with Google, it’s set to see the search giant spend $1 billion on training a new generation of tech professionals.

A portion of the capital will go toward subsidizing the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program. The company will make the six courses available for $49 per month and plans to offer financial assistance to some 10,000 learners.

Image: Google