(WXYZ) — The tech sector is experiencing significant growth in metropolitan Detroit and statewide. Locally, he has over 104,000 tech jobs that earn him $90,000 a year, which is double his average salary across the region.
Getting a job in technology can open up new paths financially. Also, a non-profit organization helps people in the community.
The Detroit chapter of NPower, a national nonprofit within the Durphy Innovation Society on the west side of Detroit. The focus here is to provide participants with the ability to create a dynamic new life for themselves, closing the talent gap in Michigan’s tech workforce.
Kelly Bryson is one of the graduates of NPower’s Michigan Tech Fundamentals program. The course teaches the participant her IT fundamentals using real-world applications and ends with an industry-recognized credential.
The free program lasts six months, but Kelly, who is engaged, says NPower’s Tech Fundamentals prepared her for a new life in IT.
“This will be the start of a whole new career for me,” Bryson said. “Michigan has an offer to work for the Department of Engineering, Management and Budget.”
Bryson becomes the project coordinator. It’s a good entry level job.
NPower Michigan Executive Director Jose Reyes said program participants will exit with CompTIA A+, IT Fundamentals+, a Google IT Support Certificate, and an IT Generalist Apprenticeship. They can make $45,000 to $65,000 a year in the private sector and go up from there.
“You can’t get five industry certifications and become a cardiologist. What if you want to be a cybersecurity expert? Five industry certifications can make you about as much as a doctor.” said Reyes.
Calling it a game changer, Reyes notes that while Detroit’s graduation rate is rising, enrollment in college and other post-secondary education is declining.
As such, NPower targets young people between the ages of 18 and 26, as well as underrepresented women of color in technology, veterans and their spouses.
“Many of these active duty people already have national security clearances, which is a requirement to become a cybersecurity analyst,” Reyes said.
The program works with industry partners such as Bank of America to teach soft skills such as interviewing and budgeting.
“We are now able to pay off our debt credit and save for long-term goals like buying a car or owning a home,” said Maria Serravalle, neighborhood lending regional manager at Bank of America.
These industry partners have helped fund NPower, and many have hired NPower graduates to help fill the pipeline and fill Michigan’s growing technology talent gap. This gap will be further widened by the growth of EVs, connected and autonomous vehicles, and AI.
“When you start thinking about AI and mobility, the numbers are growing rapidly, so there is a huge demand for IT talent in the region,” Reyes said.
A talent like Kelly is ready for a new career and a new life with fiancé Johnny.
