MILWAUKEE (December 22, 2021) – The shortfalls in available tech talent continue to increase across markets nationally.  This provides the opportunity for those with an interest and aptitude for tech to consider whether this is the right time to make a career change.

The MKE Tech Hub Coalition has formed a multi-employer apprenticeship network to build on the momentum of the Registered Software Developer/Analyst Apprentice program launched in March of 2021.  This network of employers is organizing their third cohort to begin related instruction in March of 2022.  “This cohort will once again be powered by Apprenti, a strategic partner of the Coalition and TECNA at the national level.  Referral agencies are encouraged to direct candidates to www.ApprentiCareers.org to register their interest in a Registered Software Development Apprenticeship in the greater Milwaukee region and support their efforts to prepare for required assessments and interviews.” said Laura Schmidt, Chief Talent Development Officer for the Coalition.

Apprenti is the nation’s first technology apprenticeship program registered by the U.S. Department of Labor.  They have also been approved and registered with Wisconsin Apprenticeship to help build us capacity for technology apprenticeships within the Milwaukee market.  “Registered Apprenticeship is a win-win for both employers and apprentices.  Apprentices earn a living wage and are provided ongoing mentorship throughout their training.  Employers are able to customize the apprentice’s training plan to meet their needs and further instill their company’s values into their workforce. We are excited to continue our partnership with the Coalition to expand Registered Technology Apprenticeships.”  said Liz Pusch, Section Chief for Registered Apprenticeship.

Candidates who are selected to participate will receive full time paid instruction beginning in March 2022 and transition to employer sites for on-the-job training in June of 2022.

“Building capacity for Registered Technology Apprenticeships is a critical strategy for increasing the diversity of our tech workforce, support mid-career professionals choosing to transition to tech roles, and demonstrate a collective commitment to develop local tech talent.” said Schmidt.  “We are especially grateful to member employers, many of whom have already signed the MMAC Region of Choice pledge, for being a part of building this program together.  We are simply unable to advance key talent development strategies without employer support”.

Apprenti will identify individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds with the interest and aptitude to succeed at a career in technology and support them as they prepare for their new roles at Coalition member companies.  “Since launching 5 years ago, Apprenti has placed over 1,500 apprentices across its 18 markets.  Of those, the average age is 31, 62% are people of color, 51% are veterans, over 25% are women, and 14% are people with disabilities.  Our entire team is committed to providing opportunities that might not otherwise exist for those we serve and are excited to expand Apprenti of Greater Milwaukee in partnership with the MKE Tech Hub Coalition” said Jennifer Carlson, Executive Director, Apprenti.

About MKE Tech Hub Coalition

The MKE Tech Hub Coalition is a non-profit organization working to inclusively double tech talent in the Milwaukee region. We serve as a unifying voice for Milwaukee’s tech community, working with others to grow a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem where tech and innovation create enduring regional prosperity and life-changing jobs. Formed in late 2019, over 100 member organizations now collaborate to grow tech jobs matched with the right supply of skilled talent through K-20, reskilling and attraction/retention initiatives. Underlying all initiatives is an intentional focus on increasing the diversity of our tech talent. To learn more and sign up for our newsletter, visit www.mketech.org.

Media Contacts

Laura Schmidt, Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition, lauras@mketech.org, 414-732-9668

Liz Pusch, Wisconsin Apprenticeship, Elizabeth.Pusch@dwd.wisconsin.gov, 262-343-6471

Karli Barokas, Apprenti of Greater MKE, Karli@barokas.com, 206-949-7878