Reskilling Opportunities

Preferred Providers

The following table provides an initial list of opportunities for those looking to enroll in (or apply for) a reskilling program to prepare for a career in tech.

Programs

Prerequisites

Cost

Paid/Unpaid

Academy of Advanced Manufacturing

Upskills military veterans for high tech, in-demand roles in advanced manufacturing.  Provides in person technical and professional training with employment opportunities upon successful completion

  • High School Diploma

  • Military veteran or a service member of US Military

None

Paid

Apprenticeships

Combines related instruction with on the job training in specific high demand technical domains (i.e. Software Dev, Data Analyst, IT Service Desk, Cyber Security, etc.).

  • High School Diploma

  • Employer Sponsor

Varies

Paid

Business and IT Academy – New Horizons

Provides online training with the support of a professional mentor to ensure completion along with job placement services.

  • None

Varies

Note: Discount available

to #mketech members.

Unpaid

Dev 10 – Genesis 10

Offers training to science and technology-minded college graduates dedicated to launching their careers as software developers (Java/.NET). Additional skill tracks available.

  • Bachelor’s degree, STEM preferred

  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0+

  • Unlimited work authorization

  • Demonstrated interest in technology

Free

Paid

i.c.stars|*Milwaukee

Offers an immersive workforce training and placement program focused on readying underserved populations for success in the tech field.

  • 18 years or older

  • High School graduate or GED

  • 6 months previous full-time work experience

Free

Paid

MARS Returnship

Provides on-the-job training, mentorship, career counseling and a partnership approach to women looking to restart their careers in technology.

  •  Women who have been on a career break for two years or more and want to return to tech

  • Prior experience working in Information Technology or a relevant field

Free

Paid

TechHire – Employ MKE

Provides 16-week, instructor led, hands-on learning to prepare individuals for career opportunities in Computer User Support positions.

NOTE:  Certified pre-Apprenticeship Program!

  • Between the ages 17 and 29

  • High School Diploma, HSED or GED

Free

Unpaid

TechHire:WorkIT – Forward Careers

Provides career, tech skills training, and supportive services to young adults to assist individuals that are unemployed or underemployed.

  • Between the ages 17 and 29

  • High School Diploma, HSED or GED

  • Lack previous work experience in that field or industry

Free

Unpaid

Digital Innovation

Those that have a start up idea that they need help to cultivate might also consider acquiring new skills through the Coalition’s FOR-M program.  FOR-M is a free, virtual workshop series that helps you solidify the startup idea that’s been bouncing around in your head through a customized curriculum and ongoing mentorship support.

Self-Directed Online Learning

The following programs do not currently meet our requirements to highlight as a preferred provider without additional supports but may be of interest.  They are free or being offered at substantially reduced fees for a limited time due to the pandemic.  If you are a community partner and would like to discuss how to leverage these resources as part of becoming a preferred provider, please contact Sarah Sewell at sarah.sewell@mketech.org

Program

Prerequisites

Cost

Notes

Microsoft/LinkedIn Digital Skills Initiative
Self-directed learning based on high demand professional and technical skills.  Combines LinkedIn Learning pathways, Microsoft Learn modules with applied learning via GitHub, and prep for certification exams (depending on which pathway you choose).

  • None

All learning modules free through 3/2021. Registration for embedded certifications reduced to $15 September – December 2020.

Higher Education

There are many non-degree opportunities (online and/or in-person) that provide continuing education or reskill (or upskill) opportunities at the colleges and universities in the area.  For example:

  • Data Analytics Bootcamp (Carroll University): Includes both “Intro to Applied Data Analytics” and “Data Visualization with Tableau”.  This program is a fully online tech bootcamp for professionals of all roles and industries to learn in-demand tech skills by completing hands-on projects from top tech companies like Spotify and Airbnb.  Open to corporations interested in upskilling their workforce and individuals interested in taking on new roles.
  • Tech Ed Frontiers (UWM): Provides opportunities to acquire digital badges demonstrating proficiency on in-demand skill sets across a variety of technical disciplines.  Launched in Summer 2020 for corporate-sponsored programs with plans to open to individuals in future.

We are thankful to the Higher Education Regional Alliance for continually innovating to ensure that programs remain relevant and affordable.  Please check their websites for additional information about available degree and non-degree programming offered virtually or in-person.

Need Support?
Check with your employer to see if they have programs to provide additional supports or financial assistance to support personal re/upskilling efforts.  Those that are not currently employed should reach out to one of the workforce development boards/agencies in SE WI to see if they qualify for training funds and/or supportive services (i.e. help connecting to job opportunities, transportation, etc.).  NOTE:  In some cases, employers may qualify for funding to develop/offer services to non-traditional hires through these same agencies:  Employ MKE, Forward Careers, UMOS

More Information

To stay informed on all things tech in MKE, please subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

The newsletter includes time sensitive information to take advantage of the opportunities above and so much more!

NOTE TO EMPLOYERS:

If you are an employer who would be interested in learning more about how to leverage all of the great opportunites for the new talent coming out of these programs, please feel free to contact providers directly and/or reach out to the Coalition for a discussion.  Please consider the following questions to help evaluate the opportunities available in relation to your goals:

  • What problem are you trying to solve?
  • What skillsets are you having trouble finding?
  • Are there targeted demographics that you are trying to reach?
  • Is time to productivity a factor (buy vs. build)?
  • Do you have the infrastructure to mentor early/non-traditional talent?  If not, is this a competency you hope to build as part of your corporate culture?
  • What cost vs. risk trade-offs do you typically evaluate?
  • Are the costs considered headcount or an expense line item?

If you did not find what you are looking for on this page and/or still have questions, please let us know as your input can help us improve this resource over time.  Contact: sarah.sewell@mketech.org