The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber has launched Apprenti Cincinnati, a non-traditional solution to drive more tech talent in and to the region.
The program will work with companies large and small to fill open positions with tech-interested individuals, regardless of educational or professional background.
Unlike traditional job-training options, apprentices receive 12-15 weeks of immersive certified technical training before completing one year of paid on the job training at one of the program’s hiring companies.
Apprenti Cincinnati is being brought to the region through the Cincinnati Chamber and the CIO Roundtable, which are leading a tech talent collaborative designed to expand and diversify the region’s IT workforce.
“We’re thrilled that Apprenti is partnering with the Cincinnati Chamber to bring more tech talent to this growing region,” said Jennifer Carlson, Apprenti’s executive director and co-founder. “Apprenti Cincinnati, through the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, will have a tri-state focus, working with businesses in Northern Kentucky, Southeast Indiana and Southwest Ohio.”
Local company MAX Technical Training will be the classroom training provider for the program’s first cohort, and inaugural employers include Kroger Technology, Great American Insurance Group, Sogeti and Northern Kentucky University IT.
This initiative is made possible through a generous investment by JPMorgan Chase.
Meyer
“Because Apprenti Cincinnati is hiring candidates based upon aptitude, not background or education level, it will help yield an outsized pipeline of minority, women and veteran talent for the Cincinnati region,” said Jill P. Meyer, president and CEO of the Cincinnati Chamber. “And it provides apprenticeship candidates a jumpstart in a career in technology through paid, on-the-job training with top employers,”
JPMorgan Chase invested $1.2 million in Apprenti as part of the firm’s $350 million investment in jobs and skills development around the world. These investments are designed to expand access to economy opportunity for young people to help them develop the skills they need as well as meet the growing demand for talent as regional economies grow.
“JPMorgan Chase is committed to helping more people share in the rewards of a growing economy,” said Alex Derkson, Vice President, Global Philanthropy at JPMorgan Chase. “We know that opening the doors to opportunity starts with equipping individuals with the skills and training they need for the jobs of tomorrow. We believe that organizations like the Cincinnati Chamber and Apprenti – which are undertaking an ambitious, employer-led approach to training local residents for in-demand technology roles at some of the region’s largest employers – help us to have a real impact in our community.”
The Chamber is committed to expanding the region’s talent base by attracting new residents and finding new ways to connect employers to skilled workers.
“Tech talent is a critical need now and in our region’s future. Apprenti Cincinnati provides the potential for a fortified and more diverse tech talent pool, and the training to give everyone a pathway to rewarding employment and a life-long career as a technologist,” said Jordan Vogel vice president of Talent Initiatives for the Chamber.
Apprenti was created by the Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA) in 2016 and now operates in more than 10 states.
Nationally, Apprenti has received more than 8,000 applications and placed more than 300 apprentices into tech positions.
Apprenti’s employer partners include Amazon, Microsoft, Avvo, Comtech, F5 Networks and Silicon Mechanics, where apprentices earn an average of $51,000 working as web developers, software developers, network security administrators, system administrators, cloud support specialists, data center technicians and IT business analysts.
For more information on how to apply, donate or become a hiring partner, click here.
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber serves as a voice for the interests of its 4,000-member businesses and their more than 300,000 employees.
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber
