American Graduate: Getting To Work In IT

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information technology (IT) occupations is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, adding about 557,000 new jobsto the economy. This increased demand poses a staffing challenge to businesses while providing an opportunity for those looking for an entry into a career with a higher-than-average starting salary and greater potential for increased future earnings.

But those job seekers must be equipped with the skills and training employers require to meet their needs.

Two local organizations, Per Scholas Cincinnati and Thrive Urban Impact Sourcing, are providing IT training and experience to adults, often from underserved communities, who are looking for a new job or a career change.

Joining Cincinnati Edition to discuss how they prepare job seekers to take advantage of the opportunities the IT industry offers are Thrive Co-Founder Kelly Dolan; Per Scholas Managing Director Paul Cashen and Director of Career Advancement and Alumni Relations Wayne Ivy; and  Computer Support Specialist at Dohn Community High School and Per Scholas graduate Guy Burnham.

This program is part of an ongoing series, "American Graduate: Getting to Work," supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, in partnership with CET. Other programs in the series can be found here.

Tune in to Cincinnati Edition Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. to hear this segment.  Copyright 2018 91.7 WVXU. To see more, visit 91.7 WVXU.