The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services and theĀ Arkansas Apprenticeship Coalition have partnered to launch the state’s first information technology apprenticeship program to teach computer coding and other technology-based skill, the agencies announced Sept. 22.
The program, funded through the Arkansas Sector Partnership grant recently awarded to ADWS by the U.S. Department of Labor, was created in response to a high employer demand for employees with advanced IT skills.
āNot only was this initiative created in response to the needs of employers, it is also being led by employers,ā said ADWS Director Daryl Bassett. āFrom the beginning, our employer partners have been involved in designing and financing the program to ensure that it meets their needs, and now that the program is being launched, these employers will be the primary source for training the apprentices.ā
According to Arkansasā 2015-2016 Hot 45 Demand Occupations, a recent publication of the Labor Market Information division of ADWS, computer systems design and related services is one of the top 10 industries in Arkansas, and four of the top 45 demand occupations are within the IT field.
The IT apprenticeship program also is consistent with the strong commitment of Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas General Assembly to increase the stateās IT educational opportunities, which has resulted in an initiative to ensure computer science courses are offered at all Arkansas public schools.
The IT apprenticeship program builds on these expanded educational opportunities by offering a postsecondary earn and learn pathway for individuals to pursue.
AAC, which has 75 apprenticeship locations and works with more than 2,000 employers across the state, will serve 30 software architect apprentices over the two-year period of the grant. The program is targeting individuals interested in pursuing careers in IT, but eligibility preference will be given to dislocated workers.
AAC is currently accepting applications for the Little Rock area. CallĀ 870-246-0320 or email Karen@NATF.US.