Program Overview | FAQ | Information for Employers | Apply to TechPrep
TechPrep is a 10-week (one-week in person, nine-week self-paced virtual) Technology Career Program offered by the Murphy Centre.
TechPrep is designed to promote the exciting local Technology Sector as a career choice to participants who otherwise may never have considered a career in Tech. Participants will learn about local Technology employment demands, potential career paths, and available post-secondary Technology training. Participants will also learn introductory technology skills during the 10-week program.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the TechPrep program participants must:
- Identify as unemployed or underemployed
- Be a resident of Newfoundland and Labrador
- Be interested in exploring a career in the Technology Sector
- Be available to complete the 10-week training program
- Currently not be enrolled in a post-secondary program
Online Application
We are now accepting applications for TechPrep. Individuals can complete the online application via this link.
Program Overview
Participants will complete a one-week on-boarding session with members of the TechPrep staff either in-person or virtually. During this week participants will begin creating a resume and cover letter that showcase their technology skills, prepare for an interview with a Technology company, and take a closer look at potential career paths in the local Tech Sector as well as explore local post-secondary options.
From here participants will complete nine weeks of self-paced coursework touching on a variety of technology skills. Coursework will be completed using the IBM SkillsBuild platform with assistance from the TechPrep Team. While completing the coursework participants will complete projects to build a portfolio showcasing the skills they have learned.
Learn In-Demand Skills
Participants will learn more about these in-demand skills:
- Web Development
- HTML & CSS
- JavaScript
- Python
- SQL
- Project Management
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Professional Skills
Digital Credentials
Participants who complete all of the IBM SkillsBuild courses as outlined in our program will receive the following Digital Credentials from IBM:
- Explore Emerging Tech
- Web Development Fundamentals
- Applied Data Science with Python
- Project Management Fundamentals
- Agile Explorer
- Working in a Digital World: Professional Skills
- Exploration into Mindfulness
Job Shadow
Participants who complete the 10-week Technology Education Program with a high level of success will be encouraged to complete a 5-week job shadow with a local technology company. Job Shadows are not guaranteed and will be dependent on both availability of funding and employers ability to place participants.
FAQ
Who is TechPrep for?
TechPrep is designed to assist individuals who identify as unemployed or under-employed to explore the local Tech Sector as a career choice.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. This program is open to anyone with basic digital literacy skills and open to learning new skills.
Do I need to have a computer to complete the self-paced learning?
Participants will need access to a reliable computer and internet to complete the self-paced learning. We have a lending library of laptop computers available for individuals who do not own or have easy access to a reliable computer.
If I am admitted, what are the requirements of the program?
You will complete our ten-week program as part of a cohort. Week one is in-person with classes being taught by the TechPrep Team. Weeks two through ten are self-paced online learning using the IBM SkillsBuild platform. Participants who show a high level of success and determination may be invited to take part in a 5-week paid Job Shadow.
What is expected of me?
Attend and participate in the Training Program as well as the option Job Shadow (if offered). Working in an engaged, respectful, and inclusive manner.
I am currently a post-secondary student. Can I apply for TechPrep?
No. Due to the time demanded to take part in the program we are not accepting applications from current post-secondary students. Post-secondary graduates who identify as unemployed or underemployed are welcome to apply.
Will I be paid?
There is no subsidy/wage while you are completing the training portion of the TechPrep program, but participants who complete the 5-week Job Shadow will receive a stipend.
Am I guaranteed a Job Shadow placement?
Job Shadow opportunities will be competitive and dependent on available funding and employer’s ability to place participants. Acceptance into the TechPrep program does not guarantee a Job Shadow.
Information for Employers
Part of the TechPrep program is a five-week job shadow placement allowing participants to be submersed with a local tech company. As such we are looking for employers who can welcome TechPrep participants to shadow some of their employees/departments.
FAQ for Employers
Are job shadows expected to be full-time?
Yes. We are looking for employers to welcome our participants Monday – Friday and follow your typical work hours (i.e. – 8:30AM – 4:30PM).
Are employers expected to pay a salary to TechPrep participants?
No. TechPrep will be providing a weekly stipend to our participants during their job shadow. There will be no payroll cost for employers.
What if I am unable to take on a participant for five weeks?
We will take what you can offer! The shortest amount of time we would ask an employer to take on a job shadow placement is one week.
Does a job shadow placement have to be in one department?
No. TechPrep participants can move around departments in your business/organization, if that would work better for you.
What can we expect from a TechPrep participant?
Most participants are exploring the tech sector and while they have completed introductory Technology Courses, they will not be ready to take on Junior Developer positions or similar. We expect our participants to arrive on time and be respectful towards your staff and their time.
Contact
Have a question? Want to learn more? Get in touch!
Jeff Hillyard
Program Coordinator – TechPrep
709-753-2830
[email protected]