UAB and Ziplines Education to launch career-accelerating certificate programs to close Alabama’s digital skills gap

BIRMINGHAM, AL – September 11, 2025 – As Alabama’s economy rapidly evolves, demand for digital and AI-related skills is surging. According to Lightcast labor market data, job postings in the Birmingham area requiring generative AI skills are projected to grow 71% over the next two years. Roles in digital marketing have already increased by 11% in the past six months.

In response, the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Collat School of Business Professional Education is launching new online certificate programs, developed in partnership with Ziplines Education, a career accelerator focused on upskilling professionals at all career levels, to help professionals upskill quickly in high-demand areas through a cohort-based, real-world learning experience.

Now open for enrollment, these short-format, cohort-based programs — ranging from 5 to 10 weeks — cover topics including digital marketing, business analytics, and AI applications in the workplace. 

“Technology is transforming every industry—from healthcare and logistics to manufacturing and public service — and Alabama’s workforce must adapt quickly to remain competitive,” said Haley James Nolen, Program Manager in the UAB Collat School of Business Professional Education. “These programs don’t just teach new skills; they empower professionals to confidently take the next step in their careers and strengthen the economic resilience of our region.”

These new online certificate programs offer practical, job-ready skills through real-world projects and instruction from seasoned industry professionals. Developed in collaboration with Ziplines Education, the courses are designed to help participants advance quickly in high-demand fields. 

“Today’s professionals are looking for fast, flexible ways to build real-world skills without putting their careers on pause,” said Sara Leoni, CEO of Ziplines Education. “We’re proud to collaborate with UAB to help make these kinds of career-building opportunities more accessible to working adults across Alabama.”

Enrollment for October 2025 cohorts is now open. To learn more and register, visit www.uab.edu/business/home/programs/professional-education/career-advancement-courses.

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About the University of Alabama at Birmingham
Known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a part of the University of Alabama System, is an internationally renowned research university and academic medical center with more than $780 million in annual research expenditures and an economic impact on the state exceeding $12.1 billion a year. UAB is Alabama’s largest employer, with more than 35,000 employees, and was named Forbes’ No. 1 Large Employer in the United States in 2021. UAB serves nearly 21,000 students offering more than 180 degree programs in 10 schools and two colleges. The four pillars of UAB’s mission are education; research, innovation and economic development; community engagement; and patient care. Learn more at www.uab.edu.

‍About Ziplines Education
Ziplines Education is a career accelerator that partners with over 30 leading colleges and universities to bridge the gap between higher education and workforce demands. Ziplines equips professionals with in-demand skills through short-format, cohort-based certificate programs focused on real-world application. All courses include live instruction from industry practitioners and are designed to align with labor market needs in fast-growing fields. Learn more at ziplines.com.

Media Contacts

University of Alabama at Birmingham
Tehreem Khan
tkhan1@uab.edu
205-807-2124

Ziplines Education
Alyssa Miller
alyssa@ammediaworks.com
973-615-1292

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