Free training program launches in Pittsburgh for people seeking tech jobs

A nationally-known technology training provider will launch operations in Pittsburgh and offer free training to its first local class in March.

When the first class of 30 people completes the 12- to 15-week program, they’ll be prepared for an entry-level programming job that pays between $50,000 and $60,000 per year, according to Plinio Ayala, president and CEO of New York-based Per Scholas.

The company is partnering with TEKsystems, a technology services provider, to provide the training with funding from grants and support from Pittsburgh-area foundations, Ayala said.

Pittsburgh will become the 14th city with a Per Scholas location. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the initial training sessions will be virtual, but Per Scholas will be looking for a brick-and-mortar location in the city as well.

The offering was announced during a virtual news conference Monday coordinated by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

Per Scholas’ track record of training people from diverse backgrounds to be able to fill tech jobs was touted by officials from the region’s workforce development agencies, including InnovatePGH, Partner4Work and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.

There are people who have talent everywhere, but everyone doesn’t have access to the training opportunities that Per Scholas provides, Ayala said.

“I think the opportunity in Pittsburgh is tremendous,” he said.

The city’s burgeoning tech industry has plenty of jobs available, and economic development groups have long been working to find ways to develop homegrown talent and keep people in Pittsburgh, said Earl Buford, CEO of the workforce development nonprofit Partner4Work.

Per Scholas has a proven track record of training minorities, women and young adults, said Jack Mills, Partner4Work’s chief strategy and innovation officer.

About 87% of the participants and graduates of Per Scholas’ training are people of color, one-third of participants are women and one-third of participants are young adults, Mills said.

“We are proud to welcome this organization to the Pittsburgh market and advance economic equity via training that can result in long-term careers,” Buford said.

Per Scholas is accepting applications through the end of February for its first class, which will start March 15.

The initial course is for a Java developer. Participants will learn how to code using the Java programming language.

The only qualification prospective students need to have is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. To apply, click here and choose Pittsburgh as the location.