Automation Alley, Michigan’s largest technology business association, has reached a significant milestone with its Technical Talent Development Program (TTDP). To date, more than 500 local workers have received technical training through TTDP, helping to ensure that Southeast Michigan’s information technology workforce is among the most skilled in the nation. Automation Alley expects to train approximately 1,000 people over the life of the program.
Launched in 2012 with two employer partners, HP Enterprise Services of Pontiac and Lakeside Software, Inc. of Bloomfield Hills and Ann Arbor, TTDP is made possible through a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, awarded to Automation Alley to create jobs and train workers within Southeast Michigan’s tech industry.
TTDP provides funding to local employers for high-level IT training of both potential and current employees. The training is administered by local training providers, including corporate training companies, workforce development organizations and educational institutions.
“Our Technical Talent Development Program is addressing a critical need in Southeast Michigan to fill the IT skills gap. And now, because of our efforts, more than 500 people have gained high-level IT skills, such as certified ethical hacking and Microsoft solutions developer,” said Alysia Green, Automation Alley director of talent development. “We’re proud of this milestone and will continue to create talent initiatives through TTDP that contribute to the growth of our members and the future success of our region.”
In 2013, Automation Alley awarded 13 local companies a portion of $750,000 in training funds through the first round of the TTDP Challenge Fund. Automation Alley member companies with immediate IT training needs were eligible to apply for the funds. This year, through a second round of the TTDP Challenge Fund, 24 local companies were awarded a portion of $1 million in technical training.
In addition to working with local employers, Automation Alley is also helping to train unemployed individuals for high-level IT jobs through the Code ReConnect program. The first cohort of Code ReConnect graduates completed training in June. Automation Alley partnered with Kelly IT Resources, a division of Kelly Services, Inc., to provide the trainees with access to employment opportunities with local tech companies through a six-month paid mentorship program.
To learn more about TTDP programs and training, contact the Automation Alley Resource Center at 800-427-5100 or info@automationalley.com.
Source: Automation Alley
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