#United States #Bronx #Tech Workforce #Per Scholas #Career Accelerator

Per Scholas: Transforming Careers Through Continuous Upskilling

Introduction
In a rapidly changing technology landscape, continuous education and skills enhancement have become paramount for career advancement. Recently, Per Scholas, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to tech training, published a compelling study on their Career Accelerator program, which illustrates the profound impact of ongoing upskilling on early career tech workers. The results are groundbreaking— graduates of the program experienced an impressive 32% increase in earnings, equating to an annual raise of approximately $14,000 compared to their initial employment post-graduation.

The Significance of the Study
Launched in 2021, the Career Accelerator program addresses a pressing industry concern: sustaining career growth beyond a monolithic first job. Conducted as part of a white paper entitled Upskilling: A Pathway to Economic Advancement for Early Career Tech Workers, the study emphasizes the importance of structured, continuous training in navigating the increasing demands of the tech sector. As automation and artificial intelligence develop, workforce needs will continually evolve, making reskilling and upskilling vital for professionals.

Key Findings
The research presented startling insights. Graduates who completed instructor-led upskilling courses enjoyed a substantial wave of wage growth. In contrast, those who opted out of such courses saw only a 17% wage increase. Even when accounting for various demographic factors like education and work experience, participants in the upskilling program still saw a significant reported advantage of $4,200 annually, showcasing the necessity of high-quality training and mentorship.

Caitlyn Brazill, President of Per Scholas, emphasized the urgency of investing in adult education: "As technology's pace accelerates, upskilling is crucial for economic and career growth. Our study shows that initiatives like Career Accelerator effectively close skills gaps and boost tech workers' earning potential and career trajectories."

Structure of Career Accelerator
Per Scholas' Career Accelerator comprises a diverse array of short-format training options tailored to fit the demanding schedules of working professionals. These courses explore various career pathways aligned with industry needs and offer flexibility through remote, instructor-led, and asynchronous options.

Empowerment Through Education
Kenetra Woods, a proud alumna of Per Scholas, shared her testimony about the transformative potential of the Career Accelerator program: "Per Scholas didn’t just teach me IT skills; they helped me see a future I never thought possible. From being laid off to becoming a System Administrator– earning 20% more– my experience was truly life-changing. I learned not only technical skills but also the significance of persistence and self-worth. I now mentor new alumni, guiding them along a path that once seemed insurmountable."

Conclusion
As Per Scholas approaches its monumental milestone of 30 years in operation, its commitment to bridging the tech skills gap remains unwavering. Since its inception in 1995, the organization has provided over 30,000 aspiring technologists with no-cost training in highly sought-after tech skills. Graduates typically see their wages triple from their pre-training salaries after securing their first role, demonstrating the efficacy of the training programs. By collaborating with employers—ranging from Fortune 500 giants to innovative startups—Per Scholas is paving the way for inclusive talent pipelines.

To learn more about this impactful organization and view the complete white paper, Upskilling: A Pathway to Economic Advancement for Early Career Tech Workers, visit PerScholas.org. Follow them on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube to stay updated on their journey towards creating accessible tech careers for all.

This study capitalizes on the understanding that continuous education is no longer merely beneficial; it is essential for economic resilience and individual empowerment within an industry defined by perpetual evolution.