Companies across Houston continue to face challenges in identifying and retaining diverse talent to fill their high-growth, high-demand IT positions. Genesys Works Houston has the solution: an information technology pre-apprenticeship program that provides a dynamic, holistic approach to upskilling the next generation of talent, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented in the technology sector.
Our IT Pre-Apprenticeship launched its first cohort of trainees in October. This program trains recent high school graduates from underserved backgrounds in career readiness skills and industry-recognized IT skills, provides coaching and wraparound services, and places them into full time, skilled IT jobs at Houston-area companies.
As Genesys Works’ IT Pre-Apprenticeship program trains and prepares these youth to succeed in high-demand IT roles, it also gives your company the opportunity to invest in cultivating an ongoing, sustainable pipeline of diverse, motivated talent. Read on for information on why our program is the answer to your IT hiring needs, not only today, but for the future.
Don’t Wait for Diverse, Talented IT Professionals: Develop Them!
The lack of diversity in the IT sector has long been acknowledged as an industry-wide challenge. Black and Latinx workers comprise 30% of the U.S. labor force but only 16% of computing and mathematical occupations. At the same time, the Gulf Coast Workforce Board projects an 18% increase in IT jobs in Houston over the next five years, even as companies struggle to recruit and retain local talent.
There is a clear need to upskill Houston-area young adults in IT fields, but few programs in Houston have the experience to tackle this issue. That’s where we come in.
At Genesys Works, we have nearly 20 years of experience serving as the bridge between motivated youth and the corporate world. We work with youth, largely young people of color, from communities throughout Houston and provide robust skills training and paid, work-based learning experiences with ongoing coaching and support. We have proven expertise in youth recruitment, career readiness skills training, and coaching to ultimate success and retention. Together with our 60+ corporate partners, we’ve provided pathways to career success for thousands of Houston-area youth.
With our decades of experience and successful outcomes, Genesys Works Houston’s IT Pre-Apprenticeship program is the next step in our mission to provide access and opportunity to more motivated, talented young people who dream of meaningful careers in the professional world.
Meet Your Business Needs + Upskill the Next Generation of IT Leaders
Our Department of Labor-approved IT Pre-Apprenticeship program – currently available to high school graduates who have participated in the Genesys Works high school internship program – is comprised of 10 weeks and more than 100 hours of targeted training in information technology skills as well career readiness skills that prepare trainees to be successful in the professional workforce. Upon successful completion of the program and passing certification exams, trainees will achieve CompTIA A + Certification and be ready for a full-time or temp to permanent placement in your company.
The CompTIA A+ Certification is the gold standard for entry-level tech support. A+ certified trainees can fill a wide variety of roles:
● Service Desk Analyst
● Help Desk Technician
● Technical Support Specialist
● Field Service Technician
● Associate Network Engineer
● Data Support Technician
Our technical curriculum includes security skills, device OS configuration, IT infrastructure, device hardware configuration, data backup, and more. Our career readiness skills curriculum covers communication etiquette, public speaking, time management, and career development.
But our work doesn’t end when these young people complete their training and are placed in full-time jobs. During the first six to nine months of employment, Genesys Works program staff will mentor and coach your new hires to ultimately increase job retention. We will also offer linkages to wraparound services (transportation, basic needs, childcare, etc.) through our partnership with Workforce Solutions. This is all done at no cost to trainees.
Become a Hiring Partner
Genesys Works Houston will source, assess, train, and vet all candidates, so all you have to do is interview and select your new employee.
Benefits include:
● Immediate value to your business.
● Employees committed to their professional learning and advancement.
● Additional support from Genesys Works staff throughout your new employees’ first 6-9 months.
● Monthly to bi-monthly supervisor/trainee check-ins, initial performance assessment, and formalized performance review.
Ready to take your first step to partner with Genesys Works in this innovative program? Please email Ray Miller, Director of Corporate Engagement and Program Success, to learn more: rmiller@genesysworks.org.
We look forward to connecting you with our diverse pool of motivated and untapped talent!
