IT Training Program Expands, Offers 100 Percent Job Placement

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - A collaboration of Detroit-area companies have come together to create an intensive training program for the next generation of IT professionals.

The Experience IT program took components of the "IT in the D" program - which launched two years ago - and relaunched it in June with expanded classes in areas including programming, communication skills and working in teams.

"One of the visions and missions of the ExperienceIT, and IT in the D when we were called that, was really working towards establishing the city of Detroit as a nationally and internationally recognized technology hub," said Ryan Hoyle, vice president of business development and talent acquisition for GalaxE.Solutions. "We are really hoping this pilot program turns into something we replicate not just in Detroit, or in southeast Michigan, but any area there is a need to increase the IT talent pool."

Organizers received nearly 200 applications for the first class of the re-launched program, with 44 students selected to take part in the eight-week program at Grand Circus in downtown Detroit.

The program is designed to transition students from the classroom to the workplace through mentorship, classes and training in both hard and soft skills. Successful graduates will  have the opportunity for employment opportunities ranging from internships to full-time positions.

The training initiative was originally founded by Quicken Loans, GalaxE.Solutions, Title Source, Fathead, Marketing Associates and WIN (Workforce Intelligence Network), and has added new partners including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE, Grand Circus, Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation and Tanner Friedman Strategic Communications.

Students - who organizers describe as individuals who have a background in the industry and want to pursue a career in programming - will attend classes eight hours a day, five days a week.

While in class, they will learn to utilize technologies including .Net, Java, SQL Server, MY SQL, and PHP. They will also learn skills such as interpersonal communication, working in teams and job interviews.

"(The evolution of the program) was really about engaging with aspiring IT  professionals and helping bridge the gap between what they are learning in the classroom and how it is deployed in the corporate setting," added Hoyle.

The next session has not been announced, but potential students can learn more about the program at ExperienceITdetroit.com.