CareerSource Tampa Bay Creates New IT Apprenticeship Program

TAMPA, Fla. - July 1, 2014 - PRLog -- CareerSource Tampa Bay is proud to announce the launch of a new Information Technology (IT) apprenticeship program that will provide participants with more specialized training in four key occupations. The Tampa Bay IT Apprenticeship Program, a partnership that includes Pinellas Technical Education Center and Aparicio-Levy Technical Center, provides tuition-free education, hands-on training, and certification within the IT industry.

“This program is the first program registered of this type in the Information Technology (IT) field in Florida,” said Ken Olsen, Director of Apprenticeship at the Division of Career and Adult Education, Florida Department of Education.

Funded in part by a $3.8m grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the program will provide a structured training method where employees can learn skills recognized by the industry and directly relate to four in-demand IT occupations: Applications Developer (Software), Applications Developer (Web), Help Desk Technician, and Network Support Technician.

“Tampa Bay has a wealth of IT jobs available but employers are finding it difficult to fill these in-demand positions with qualified, skilled workers. One advantage to this program is that employers utilize existing employees; someone who is already familiar with the company’s methods and culture. The participant will learn while on-the-job and receive related technical training and classroom instruction in the IT occupation specific to the industry’s needs,” said Ed Peachey, President and CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay.

The program also aims at capturing the already present interest in technology many youth possess in hopes they may pursue a career in the IT industry.

"Today's graduating high school students have grown up in a world of interconnectivity like no other previous generation. As technology continues to permeate every part of our lives so do technological jobs. But not all technical jobs require full college degrees, similar to other critical trades for our economy (like electrician and construction). I am excited to be a part of bringing the IT Apprenticeship Program to Tampa Bay to help today's youth bridge the gap between technology exposure and a technology career," said Brian Hamm, President of Extensys, Inc. and committee chair for the program.

For additional information on the Tampa Bay IT Apprenticeship Program visit www.careersourcetampabay.com.