National Tech Training Provider to Launch in Pittsburgh in March

National Tech Training Provider to Launch in Pittsburgh in March
Per Scholas to Expand Regional Talent Pipeline and Accessibility into In-Demand Tech Careers

(PITTSBURGH – Feb. 8, 2021) – Per Scholas, a New York-based, national tech training provider –in partnership with TEKsystems, a full-stack technology services provider that addresses the pressing strategy, implementation and talent needs for more than 80-percent of the Fortune 500 – will launch in Pittsburgh on March 15, as part of a growing trend to accelerate training for entry-level talent.

This expansion in the Pittsburgh market was announced today by InnovatePGH,Partner4Work and the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance – the economic development affiliate of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. Growing the Pittsburgh region’s tech talent pipeline and developing on-ramps to high-demand, technical careers has been a collaborative effort of these partners for the past year. Per Scholas will train full stack Java developers in the first Pittsburgh cohort of students. Its entry into Pittsburgh builds on a successful national no-cost training model that delivers results such as an 85-percent graduation rate and brings diverse, underrepresented populations into tech careers with upward mobility and family-sustaining wages. Its model of success is built on working closely with learners and not only providing tech training, but also offering career coaching, interviewing and other wrap-around skills training to ensure that Per Scholas graduates are successful in their new tech careers.

“Technology is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. Per Scholas connects job seekers and workers to training solutions that lead to meaningful tech careers while also equipping local workers with the skills that businesses need to thrive,” said Earl Buford, CEO of Partner4Work. “As the COVID-19 crisis continues to disproportionately impact low-skill, low-wage workers, including women, we know that innovative solutions are needed to prepare such individuals for the jobs available now and in the future. Considering Per Scholas’ accomplished history of delivering high-quality tech sector training, we are proud to welcome this organization and their corporate partners to the Pittsburgh market and advance economic equity via training that can result in long-term careers.”

Developing a more inclusive, job-ready workforce through tech training is one of Per Scholas’ top priorities.

“Our ability to partner with like-minded organizations is what has enabled us to create these opportunities in communities across the country,” said Per Scholas President & CEO Plinio Ayala. “With the strategic business partnership and full involvement of our customized training partner, TEKsystems, we’re now able to expand into the burgeoning tech community of Pittsburgh – offering our tuition-free courses, a full suite of professional services and extensive alumni support network to individuals who have been traditionally underrepresented in the tech field. We look forward to supporting our learners and Pittsburgh’s growing tech economy.”

Building out an inclusive tech ecosystem means multiple training providers coming to Pittsburgh to increase opportunity, not create competition among providers.

"Our efforts to attract leading companies to the region accompanies a proactive strategy to broaden the home-grown talent pool for a next generation economy for all,” said Mark Anthony Thomas, president of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance. “Per Scholas has served as an essential anchor to the nation’s best tech hubs and a partner for enterprise and growth firms committed to inclusive opportunity. This expansion is the next building block toward fulfilling the commitments to address equity and opportunity barriers in the Pittsburgh region.”

Local tech training providers such as AcademyPGH, Tech Elevator and other programs will continue to promote tech talent growth across the region. As the corporate community invests in training – and hiring alternative tech talent from non-degreed programs becomes the norm – even more equitable access to in-demand careers is anticipated, as is a collective solution to expanding the region’s innovation and tech talent ecosystem. Per Scholas has limited spaces remaining for the March cohort – with 30 slots to fill – and will be accepting applications through the end of February. A high school diploma or GED equivalent is the only qualification required to apply. Interested candidates can apply here for Per Scholas training.

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