Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS) has partnered with General Electric (GE) and Louisiana State University to create a training program designed to close the tech skills gap with talent from underrepresented groups who are looking to break into the industry.
WOS is a leading non-profit organization geared towards aligning individuals from underserved groups with transformative career opportunities.
According to research, over 50% of tech leaders predict that the most pressing issue they will face in the coming year is finding tech-savvy candidates who can fulfill their talent needs. With this in mind, WOS has joined forces with GE, as well as other major corporations throughout the country such as Johnson & Johnson and Prudential, to develop training programs with local universities as a solution.
One such training program is the GE Java Development Program. Launched in 2016, it is a 34-week intensive training program where non-traditional candidates take courses on Java and technical information systems. Candidates also take professional development courses as a way to strengthen their soft skills. Upon completion of the program, candidates will earn a certificate from Louisiana State University and are given a chance to further their careers at GE.
WOS’ announcement of its new partnership with GE and Louisiana State University comes on the same day (July 6) that seventeen individuals, including military veterans, will graduate from WOS’ GE Java Development Program at the University of New Orleans.
Jessica Miller, associate director of academics at WOS, praised the program as a life changing opportunity for the 17 young women and men who graduated. “We are so proud of what the graduates have accomplished thus far and are thrilled to see the impact they will have on the technology industry and the New Orleans community in the future,” Miller stated.
Danita White for TechFunnel.com
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