Start the New Year on a New Career Path with Tech Foundry
Springfield, Mass. – There are a lot of statistics that illustrate the positives of Tech Foundry’s training program, from more than 400 graduates to an 80 percent hire rate within six months after graduation. But the one that is most impactful shows that most students come close to doubling their income when they start a new technology career.
Being able to help residents of Western Massachusetts achieve a living wage is one of the program goals, and it’s through the workforce training program that Tech Foundry hopes to make a difference in people’s lives.
Tech Foundry began in 2014 to with a mission to help locals achieve financial stability while also helping local businesses find employees. The partnership benefits businesses by training employees in needed technical fields, but also connects locals with living wage jobs.
“It’s a really nice win-win” said Tech Foundry CEO Tricia Canavan.
The IT training program is accepting applications through December 31 for its winter-spring session which starts in February. Applicants need a very basic understanding of computers and email.
“There’s no need for serious expertise,” Canavan said, “but there is a need for people to be comfortable and understand how to navigate various aspects of operating a computer.”
The not-for-profit relies upon fundraising and grants to operate, such as the Donnelly Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund Grant which helped the program double in size.
Tech Foundry is using the Stand Out Truck® to drive throughout Springfield and make people aware of the upcoming application deadline. It’s a way to show potential candidates that career paths in IT exist and are available to them through Tech Foundry.
“There’s a great opportunity for people to participate who may not be aware that this option exists for them,” Canavan said.
IT is for Everybody
Helping participants build their skills and grow within a supportive community is one of the rewarding ways that Tech Foundry can ensure students are given every opportunity to succeed. As part of their support system, each student is assigned an accountability partner.
Classes for the upcoming 18-week program start in mid-February. The program is hybrid, with live teaching three days a week and online learning two days a week. The program is split into two classes of no more than 25 students. The small class size helps ensure that every student receives feedback and tutoring.
“We want to be able to provide that one-on-one support for everybody and also give people a chance to really form those connections with one another,” Canavan said.
She recognizes that there can be challenges and barriers for adult learners undertaking the program. They may have difficultly finding time for learning, inable to fit school time into other daily demands, or just face nerves at starting something new.
To better help students succeed, Canavan said that Tech Foundry fosters a sense of community between students and teachers.
Coaching and tutoring continue for at least six months after the program has ended, so participants retain a sense of community even after they graduate. Canavan said she hears from students how important that feeling of community is, and many continue those connections well into their careers.
Beyond an Education
By the end of the program, the goal is for each student to find a place of employment. Tech Foundry provides support to find these available positions in technology.
“Part of our reason for being is to ensure that we are training people for jobs that are available here in Western Mass,” Canavan said.
“We can give you inroads into great jobs,” she added.
Jobs may include basic help desk assistance, network administration, cabling or setting up computers within a network. While there is an opportunity to continue into higher education, many remain with their first IT job and learn and grow from there. Certification programs can be leveraged to show a knowledge of technology and open doors for more income in less time than it takes to earn a college degree.
“We meet people where they are and help them get what they need in order to achieve their goals of getting jobs in tech, starting a career and accessing a living wage,” Canavan said.
While some students may stick with their first career path after leaving Tech Foundry, others may choose to obtain a higher degree or receive additional certification to move forward in their career for a higher salary. The foundation from Tech Foundry allows them these future possibilities.
“It’s important that they have a broad background so they can thrive,” she said.
Help your own business STAND OUT with Stand Out Truck®. Visit standouttruck.com/contact to learn more about making your business grow.
