Communications of the ACM
With Future Full Of Jobs To Fill, Training Programs Take Aim At Skills Gap
IT instructor Kayvan Sabery (right) wants his YearUp students to know "every component of a computer"and to "be able to build your own PC."
Credit: Robin Lubbock / WBUR
The vitality of Boston's booming tech sector can be traced, in part, to a number of innovative new training programs. For example, Year Up is a nonprofit whose mission is to train young adults who lack opportunities for professional careers. These trainees tend to come from low-income and underserved communities. It's free and students even get a stipend. They're offered classes in sales, finance, project management, quality assurance or IT. Students also take classes in communications and workplace readiness, learning essential skills like how to write a resume or build a network. Classes go for six months, then students do an internship for an additional six months.
Many of the classes at Year Up aim to prepare students for jobs that are expected to see major growth in the future. For example, after completing the program, they will be able to change a motherboard, change hard drives, troubleshoot issues with computers and upgrade them. There are many companies eager for Year Up students, especially those that are anxious to fill entry-level IT jobs. About 90% of the program's grads are in full-time jobs or enrolled in college. Many companies looking into the program say there aren't enough qualified workers to take up available jobs, especially in the tech world. According to a recent poll, 75% of business leaders in Massachusetts say they struggle to find qualified candidates for open positions. Many business leaders say applicants lack a range of skills, the same poll found. This skills gap will likely get worse in the future as technology continues to change the workplace.
From WBUR
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