The Shapiro Administration announced a partnership with NuPaths to provide information technology, web development, and digital marketing internship and apprenticeship opportunities at Commonwealth agencies to high school graduates, veterans, and those in career transition. This new program will create real opportunities for Pennsylvanians interested in IT and technology work and will bolster the Commonwealth’s IT workforce as Governor Shapiro looks to make digital services more accessible.
NuPaths, a TechEd company co-founded by Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), launched in 2018. It focuses on IT workforce development, aiming to “Prepare students to perform specific entry-level roles in Information Technology that are well-paying and in-demand.”
“As one of the largest employers in Pennsylvania, we have an incredible opportunity to be a leader in supporting Governor Shapiro’s vision for the Commonwealth’s schools, workforce, and economy,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver, whose office is responsible for recruitment and hiring for state agencies. “We are excited to partner with NuPaths to provide hands-on experience to prepare these students for careers in the tech industry and help meet our workforce needs.”
Last month, Governor Shapiro signed an executive order establishing the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) and creating an in-house internal team to build digital products and services. CODE PA will work to improve online services for Pennsylvanians and streamline the way they interact with the Commonwealth online.
Students in NuPaths’ Associate Website Developer and Digital Marketing Assistant programs can participate in paid internships with digital communications teams in state agencies to gain relevant experience in their field of study. Interns may write code, troubleshoot technical issues, update and maintain agency websites, draft and post social media content, design graphics, and assist web services and digital teams with overall content strategy.
The Office of Administration has established an IT apprenticeship, during which apprentices will participate in NuPaths’ Technical Support Specialist program. This work-based learning program offers accelerated learning through classroom training, mentoring, and partnering apprentices with experts in the field. Apprentices who complete their one year-apprenticeship will be offered a full-time Help Desk Technician position at OA.
NuPaths programs are designed to educate adults, youths, and high school seniors and prepare them for specific entry-level IT job roles within six months. Programs are offered in two distinct pathways – Core IT and Business Technology, with programs for IT security, Network Technician, Technical Support, Software Testing, Digital marketing, Website development, and Project management. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for enrollment. Students learn technical and business skills, earn multiple industry-recognized certifications, a certificate of completion, and up to 10 college credits from Harrisburg University for their future college education.
Programs are delivered in the classroom or online in a distance learning format. Upon successful completion, students are introduced to employers to be hired as interns, apprentices, or for full-time employment.
NuPaths is a registered Pre-Apprenticeship trainer who works closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, multiple workforce development boards across Pennsylvania, and PA CareerLink to fund education and training for youth and adults.
The new partnership aligns with Governor Shapiro’s goals to increase opportunities for Pennsylvanians to succeed and attract the next generation of the workforce to public service. This includes signing an executive order on his first day in office, which affirmed that 92% of state government jobs do not require a college degree and proposing a $23.8 million investment in workforce training and apprenticeship programs in his first budget.
“This new initiative demonstrates the important role that partnerships and collaboration play in creating opportunities for learners,” said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. “The Shapiro Administration is committed to giving students the freedom to chart their course, and this internship program will provide the hands-on, real-world experiences that lead to fulfilling careers.”
NuPaths offers 6-month training and certification programs for people interested in starting careers in IT and tech and is specifically designed for career changers, underemployed or unemployed, veterans, re-entrants, recent high school graduates, and groups traditionally under-represented in technology careers. Please visit www.nupaths.org to learn more about NuPaths and its programs.
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