Workforce Opportunity Service (WOS)—the leading non-profit organization geared towards aligning individuals from underserved groups with transformative career opportunities—has teamed up with GE and Louisiana State University to create a training program designed to alleviate the tech skills gap and create career pathways for individuals looking to break into the industry.
Research shows that nearly 54 percent of tech leaders project that the most pressing issue they will be faced with in the coming year is finding tech-savvy candidates who can fulfill their talent needs. WOS has joined forces with several major corporations throughout the country—including General Electric, Johnson & Johnson, Prudential, and others—to develop training programs with local universities as a solution.
The GE Java Development Program, launched in 2016, is a 34-week intensive training program where non-traditional candidates take courses on Java and technical information systems. Participants also take professional development courses to aide them in strengthening their soft skills. Upon completion of the program, students earn a certificate from Louisiana State University and are given the opportunity to further their careers at GE.
Today seventeen individuals, including military veterans, who have completed the GE Java Development Program will graduate at The University of New Orleans.
“The program has been a life-changing opportunity for these 17 young women and men,” said Jessica Miller, Associate Director of Academics, WOS. “We are so proud of what the graduates have accomplished thus far and are thrilled to see the impact they will have on the technology industry and the New Orleans community in the future.”
About Workforce Opportunity Services
Workforce Opportunity Services (WOS) is a next-generation 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that transforms early career professionals by cultivating their talents. We connect leading companies all over the world with a network of thousands of ready-to-work professionals who reflect diverse communities and customers. Our partners rely on us to recruit, educate, and train employees with the highest potential who will remain committed to their work over the long term.
Every day, we promote upward mobility, professional success, financial independence, and lifelong learning. We are experts in helping companies identify and assimilate the skills of veterans and underserved jobseekers. We offer hands-on support services to ensure that promising employees stay on a steady career path.
Launched at Columbia University in New York City, our scientifically-based program offers cutting-edge research and analytics in partnership with top-tier academic institutions. Since our founding in 2005, we have partnered with more than 50 corporations in 35+ locations around the world. For more information, visit wforce.org.