Hispanic youth training for new collar roles
Image credit:IBM

 US-based non-profit Reskill Americans has announced free tech training for underrepresented racial minority groups.

The non-profit is offering access to a seven-month online training programme to anyone who self-identifies as an underrepresented racial minority. And no prior experience is required. With STEM talent in high demand, Reskill Americans aims to lower the barriers to access for people of colour and address the need to find and train talent, regardless of background. To enrol, participants must have an accurate LinkedIn profile and photo, a computer with internet access, and the ability to work legally in the US. Those looking to jumpstart their career in tech can enrol for the tuition-free software development training programme up until 30 September 2022.

Founded by tech veterans, Reskill Americans launched its inaugural programme in 2021. More than 2,000 participants from 42 states and alumni have been hired at businesses of all sizes since then.  “We were encouraged by our 2021 enrolment and hope to enrol even more people this year,” said Reskill Americans Founder Femi Akinde. “By eliminating pre-existing barriers to tech training and providing it tuition-free, Reskill Americans is proud to help create access for as many underrepresented minorities as possible.  

free tech training

INVALUABLE TRAINING & MENTORING

The programme enables participants to learn from anywhere, at any time; receive tailored instruction and mentorship; and graduate with a portfolio of work samples. Graduates will earn a certificate of completion in either web development or UX/UI design and may have the opportunity to join the non-profit’s apprenticeship programme.  

“Reskill Americans really prepared me for my role as a software engineer at McDonald’s. I wouldn’t have this job without them,” said Jalen Harris, a 2021 Reskill Americans alumni. “Not only did I learn the skills needed to be successful, but they also offered invaluable networking opportunities and other resources.”  

Reskill Americans provides tuition-free software development training, mentorship and community to unemployed, underemployed and career-switching historically underrepresented racial minorities across the US to help them launch a career in tech. The organisation eliminates traditional barriers to access so that aspiring tech professionals with no prior experience can enrol in its rigorous, instructor–led online programme. To learn more or enrol, visit www.reskillamericans.org.

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