Empowering Future IT Professionals: Infotech Academy Launches Zero2Hero Cohort for Free Training

In a remarkable initiative, Infotech Academy Online has recently opened a new cohort of its Zero2Hero program, aimed at training over 70 participants for lucrative careers in information technology—completely free of charge. Accredited by the US Department of Labor and the Texas Workforce Commission, this apprenticeship program not only covers the costs for training and certifications but also prepares graduates for in-demand roles across various IT sectors.

The Zero2Hero program is carefully structured to transition participants from no background in IT to competent professionals ready to face the challenges of the tech industry. Over a six-month period, candidates engage in a pre-apprenticeship phase where they gain essential skills and certifications. These include digital literacy, critical career skills, and entrepreneurship, before branching out into specialized tracks. With 22 advanced learning tracks available, participants can delve into fields such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, SAP security and governance, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

Hands-on experience is a cornerstone of the program, with participants implementing their learning on live systems. This practical exposure ensures that graduates not only leave the program with several globally recognized credentials but also with substantial project experience that employers highly value.

The results of the program so far have been impressive, attracting significant attention from employers and workforce agencies alike. For instance, one participant managed to secure a job earning $130,000 per year while still in the registered apprenticeship phase after successfully completing the SAP security track. This success story exemplifies the transformative potential of the program. Salman Akorede, the founder of Infotech Academy, remarked, "He was able to move from a lower-ending job to six figures, about $130,000 per annum, while still on our program, and the guy has been doing very well on the job."

Infotech Academy is actively looking to recruit employer partners across Texas and in five additional states where it is seeking further accreditation: Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and California. This partnership offers employers a unique advantage: access to pre-trained, credentialed talent without any training costs. With government funding covering participant training expenses, employers may also qualify for additional tax incentives for skill enhancement.

The inception of the Zero2Hero program was motivated by a gap identified by Akorede throughout his two decades of experience in SAP consulting. Academic programs, he noted, often fail to equip candidates with the ready-to-work skills and competencies required by technology firms. Most businesses cannot shoulder the financial burden of addressing this gap independently. Hence, Infotech Academy’s government-funded model alleviates costs for both participants and employers.

As the technology landscape continues to evolve, programs such as Zero2Hero are essential for cultivating a skilled workforce capable of meeting industry demands. They bridge educational gaps and foster opportunities for individuals looking to elevate their careers without the barriers of high educational costs.

For those who are interested in becoming a participant, employer partners, or workforce agencies interested in the Zero2Hero cohort, direct outreach is encouraged. Infotech Academy is keen to collaborate and foster connections that will build a more robust IT workforce ready to take on the future challenges of the industry.

About Infotech Academy

Infotech Academy Online is a US Department of Labor and Texas Workforce Commission accredited apprenticeship program that provides funded IT training and certifications to high school and college graduates at no cost to participants. Through its innovative Zero2Hero program, Infotech Academy is dedicated to preparing graduates for various technology careers, inspiring new generations of IT professionals to thrive in fields like cybersecurity, SAP security, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. The academy operates in collaboration with IRSL Consulting, an SAP governance, risk and compliance consulting firm based in Houston, Texas.