What Happened?
Many local governments are teaming up with technology companies and school districts to develop collaborative approaches to building a technology workforce to better meet growing demands now and in the future.
Tennessee
A Tennessee state grant will be used to engage more students in technology programs in high school and college, and grow a workforce large enough to meet the rising demand for professionals in information technology. Technology companies in the region predict continued growth, and seek a tech-savvy workforce to sustain the growth, Nashville Public Radio reported.
The state of Tennessee has awarded an $850,000 grant to the Nashville Technology Council to launch technology-related programs in local high schools. Because there is a low number of students enrolled in IT classes currently at the college level, the program aims to spur interest in IT careers at a young age. The program will include:
- Paid internships
- Job shadowing
- Mentorships
Not only will the grant fuel deployment of more technology education programs at the high school and college levels, but also help colleges change their courses to be more marketable. This means demonstrating how IT courses translate to tech jobs in growing industries, Nashville Public Radio reported.
Dothan
In Dothan, Alabama, the city is working with educational institutions and community organizations to build a highly-skilled workforce that will attract and sustain key growth industries. The city and local business leaders are working to market Dothan as an ideal place for new industries to set up shop. Simultaneously, educational institutions and private companies are working together on training programs to support these new businesses, Dothan Eagle reported.
Each training program launched through academic institutions is designed to meet demands of specific industries or job opportunities in the local market. Training programs are developed as the need arises, ensuring the workforce available is in line with business demands, Dothan Eagle reported.
Because the training programs are flexible and updated regularly, participants are more likely to enter the workforce faster. The programs also teach tools and skills for specific jobs, allowing for training to be completed faster and for a lower cost than traditional college programs, Dothan Eagle reported.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development recently announced more than $2 million state grants will be awarded to local agencies statewide to support programs that will train more than 3,000 workers to enter key growth industries. Close to $6.5 million has been invested in workforce development in the third round of an $8 million initiative launched in July. The additional $2 million in grants will boost the project’s total to more than 6,800 trained workers supporting nine industries including healthcare, financial services, information technology and agriculture.
Workforce is the Foundation
Gov1 has kept a close eye on workforce development programs designed both train workers and attract businesses and talent.