Up to 250 people in the Chattanooga region struggling to find work could receive free job training over the next two years thanks to $1 million from the state.
(READ MORE: Five companies chosen from 132 applicants for Chattanooga startup accelerator)
The Company Lab, a local organization supporting startups, and Gener8tor, a venture firm, are partnering on a 10-week skills development program that will serve residents of Rhea, Bledsoe, Sequatchie, Marion, Grundy, Polk, Meigs, Bradley, Hamilton and McMinn counties.
“A significant amount of employers in the region have expressed that there’s a talent shortage,” Anne Nadel, vice president of the Gener8tor Skills Accelerator, said during a video call.
The program will begin Nov. 4 and is completely virtual. It’s tailored for people who are unemployed or underemployed, meaning they don’t have a living wage job or are stuck in positions that don’t take full advantage of their skillset. Organizers are now accepting applications for the program and are starting with a focus on developing skills in information technology.
The classes will teach participants how to install software and maintain devices and prepare people to take the CompTIA A+ exam, which Nadel said is an industry-recognized credential that can help jumpstart movement into IT fields. Participants will also receive coaching on their resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles and will engage in live mock interviews. People can apply at gener8tor.com/skills/tennessee.
“Our secret sauce is our coaching staff,” Nadel said. “These individuals are spending countless hours connecting to our participants, learning where they’re coming from, what barriers they’ve faced, and then supporting their understanding of moving through both the curriculum as well as into the job search.”
Nadel said Gener8tor is conducting similar programs in 25 regions across the country. The organization offers more than 10 career tracks, including project management, customer service and data analytics. Organizers are focused on industries with significant demand for skilled workers.
“In Tennessee, we’re specifically starting with IT because that was one of the things the employers requested,” Nadel said. “But, as the months progress, we will also be offering additional courses as well.”
Allie Schrenker, director of community development at The Company Lab, said businesses in the region consistently indicate there’s a huge need for qualified talent. The program will help people navigating a transition period in their life, she said in a video call.
Tasia Malakasis, CEO of The Company Lab, said in a phone call the program is also designed to connect participants with companies that may be looking for remote employees, meaning they wouldn’t have to leave the area to find work.
Anand Mirle is based in Milwaukee and participated in one of Gener8tor’s workforce development programs. Mirle said he’s struggling to find a job, but he complimented the help he received through the skills accelerator.
“They’re doing a good job,” he said during a video call. “It is a good training program.”
Participants have a 59% employment rate three months after completing the program, Nadel said, and a 74% employment rate after 12 months. Nadel said organizers hope to bring that three-month percentage up to 70%.
“It can take time, and the job market can be tricky, depending on what it is that you’re looking to go into,” Nadel said. “But our team is here to continue supporting the individuals in perpetuity.”
Contact David Floyd at dfloyd@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.