YUPRO Placement and Franklin Skills Launch Innovative Apprenticeship Program to Address IT Talent Shortages

Announcing SKILLSFIT: The Future of IT Talent Acquisition

In response to the growing talent shortage in the information technology sector, YUPRO Placement, a leader in skills-first talent placement, has partnered with workforce training innovator Franklin Skills to unveil SKILLSFIT™, an innovative apprenticeship program meant to equip organizations with job-ready IT professionals. This program aims to fill significant gaps within the tech industry while also ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled talent that can grow and thrive within companies.

A New Approach to Workforce Development

Traditional hiring practices often lead to unfulfilled roles and mismatched placements, as companies tend to prioritize candidates based on their degrees and past experiences. This has resulted in high costs and limited options for employers. SKILLSFIT changes the hiring landscape by focusing on motivated candidates who may not fit the conventional mold yet possess the eagerness to learn. By offering direct, hands-on experience within the workplace, this program allows apprentices to contribute effectively from day one, supported by a structured training regimen.

Why SKILLSFIT?

The times demand a strategic shift in how organizations approach talent acquisition. With the advent of this program, businesses can significantly mitigate hiring risks, cut down on consultancy expenses, and foster a culture of retention and growth. Franklin Skills CEO Kimberly Nichols emphasizes the program's objectives: "We hear the same thing from CTOs and CIOs every day – they struggle to find the right skills and talent that stays long-term. SKILLSFIT aims to solve that problem by not just sourcing candidates but by building their skills and capabilities."

How the SKILLSFIT Apprenticeship Works

The SKILLSFIT program encompasses several critical components to maximize its effectiveness:

1. Strategic Selection: Candidates undergo a career-matching assessment, which informs their training path. Successful applicants complete a proprietary 100-hour pre-apprenticeship program designed by Franklin Skills before placement.
2. Hands-On Learning: Apprentices are contracted as employees of YUPRO Placement, earning competitive wages while gaining practical experience in their host organizations. They learn about industry-specific systems, tools, and processes.
3. Ongoing Support: Franklin Skills not only provides tailored training but also continuously supports apprentices on the job, while YUPRO Placement manages all administrative aspects, like payroll and compliance. This combined approach fosters retention and builds institutional knowledge.
4. Seamless Transition to Full-Time: After completing a 26- or 52-week apprenticeship, companies have the flexibility to convert apprentices into permanent employees without incurring additional costs.

A Model for Sustainable Workforce Development

The SKILLSFIT initiative aligns with the current workforce development plan outlined by the U.S. administration, prioritizing apprenticeship programs to bridge the skills gap in the labor market. With a reported retention rate of 94%, it showcases a sustainable model for businesses to secure reliable talent while also enhancing their team dynamics.

Michelle Sims, CEO of YUPRO Placement, reinforces this perspective, stating, "With SKILLSFIT, we're offering a paradigm shift in how companies can strategically build their workforces while also saving on hiring and training costs. It’s about making informed choices that yield productive teams able to adapt in a rapidly changing job market."

As employers seek reliable solutions to tackle their staffing challenges, SKILLSFIT emerges as an attractive option to integrate high-potential talent into their workplaces. For organizations that are ready to adopt a proactive stance towards workforce building, the SKILLSFIT program provides a practical pathway to developing a skilled and committed workforce. Learn more about how to implement this program at YUPRO Placement and Franklin Skills.