Reskilling Opportunities
Preferred Providers
The following table provides an initial list of opportunities for those looking to enroll in (or apply for) a reskilling program to prepare for a career in tech.
Programs |
Prerequisites |
Cost |
Paid/Unpaid |
Academy of Advanced Manufacturing Upskills military veterans for high tech, in-demand roles in advanced manufacturing. Provides in person technical and professional training with employment opportunities upon successful completion |
|
None |
Paid |
Combines related instruction with on the job training in specific high demand technical domains (i.e. Software Dev, Data Analyst, IT Service Desk, Cyber Security, etc.). |
|
Varies |
Paid |
Business and IT Academy – New Horizons Provides online training with the support of a professional mentor to ensure completion along with job placement services. |
|
Varies Note: Discount available to #mketech members. |
Unpaid |
Offers training to science and technology-minded college graduates dedicated to launching their careers as software developers (Java/.NET). Additional skill tracks available. |
|
Free |
Paid |
Offers an immersive workforce training and placement program focused on readying underserved populations for success in the tech field. |
|
Free |
Paid |
Provides on-the-job training, mentorship, career counseling and a partnership approach to women looking to restart their careers in technology. |
|
Free |
Paid |
Provides 16-week, instructor led, hands-on learning to prepare individuals for career opportunities in Computer User Support positions. NOTE: Certified pre-Apprenticeship Program! |
|
Free |
Unpaid |
TechHire:WorkIT – Forward Careers Provides career, tech skills training, and supportive services to young adults to assist individuals that are unemployed or underemployed. |
|
Free |
Unpaid |
Digital Innovation
Those that have a start up idea that they need help to cultivate might also consider acquiring new skills through the Coalition’s FOR-M program. FOR-M is a free, virtual workshop series that helps you solidify the startup idea that’s been bouncing around in your head through a customized curriculum and ongoing mentorship support.
Self-Directed Online Learning
The following programs do not currently meet our requirements to highlight as a preferred provider without additional supports but may be of interest. They are free or being offered at substantially reduced fees for a limited time due to the pandemic. If you are a community partner and would like to discuss how to leverage these resources as part of becoming a preferred provider, please contact Sarah Sewell at sarah.sewell@mketech.org
Program |
Prerequisites |
Cost |
Notes |
Microsoft/LinkedIn Digital Skills Initiative |
|
All learning modules free through 3/2021. Registration for embedded certifications reduced to $15 September – December 2020. |
|
Higher Education
There are many non-degree opportunities (online and/or in-person) that provide continuing education or reskill (or upskill) opportunities at the colleges and universities in the area. For example:
- Data Analytics Bootcamp (Carroll University): Includes both “Intro to Applied Data Analytics” and “Data Visualization with Tableau”. This program is a fully online tech bootcamp for professionals of all roles and industries to learn in-demand tech skills by completing hands-on projects from top tech companies like Spotify and Airbnb. Open to corporations interested in upskilling their workforce and individuals interested in taking on new roles.
- Tech Ed Frontiers (UWM): Provides opportunities to acquire digital badges demonstrating proficiency on in-demand skill sets across a variety of technical disciplines. Launched in Summer 2020 for corporate-sponsored programs with plans to open to individuals in future.
We are thankful to the Higher Education Regional Alliance for continually innovating to ensure that programs remain relevant and affordable. Please check their websites for additional information about available degree and non-degree programming offered virtually or in-person.
Need Support?
Check with your employer to see if they have programs to provide additional supports or financial assistance to support personal re/upskilling efforts. Those that are not currently employed should reach out to one of the workforce development boards/agencies in SE WI to see if they qualify for training funds and/or supportive services (i.e. help connecting to job opportunities, transportation, etc.). NOTE: In some cases, employers may qualify for funding to develop/offer services to non-traditional hires through these same agencies: Employ MKE, Forward Careers, UMOS
More Information
To stay informed on all things tech in MKE, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
The newsletter includes time sensitive information to take advantage of the opportunities above and so much more!
NOTE TO EMPLOYERS:
If you are an employer who would be interested in learning more about how to leverage all of the great opportunites for the new talent coming out of these programs, please feel free to contact providers directly and/or reach out to the Coalition for a discussion. Please consider the following questions to help evaluate the opportunities available in relation to your goals:
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- What skillsets are you having trouble finding?
- Are there targeted demographics that you are trying to reach?
- Is time to productivity a factor (buy vs. build)?
- Do you have the infrastructure to mentor early/non-traditional talent? If not, is this a competency you hope to build as part of your corporate culture?
- What cost vs. risk trade-offs do you typically evaluate?
- Are the costs considered headcount or an expense line item?
If you did not find what you are looking for on this page and/or still have questions, please let us know as your input can help us improve this resource over time. Contact: sarah.sewell@mketech.org