New partnership will increase opportunities for Pennsylvanians to succeed and attract the next generation of the workforce to public service.
Harrisburg – The Shapiro Administration today announced a partnership with NuPaths to provide information technology internship and apprenticeship opportunities at Commonwealth agencies to high school graduates, veterans, and those in career-transition. This new program will create real opportunities for Pennsylvanians interested in IT and computer science work, and will bolster the Commonwealth's IT workforce as Governor Shapiro looks to make digital services more accessible.
"As one of the largest employers in Pennsylvania, we have an incredible opportunity to be a leader in supporting Governor Shapiro's vision for the Commonwealth's schools, workforce, and economy," said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver, whose office is responsible for recruitment and hiring for state agencies. "We are excited to partner with NuPaths to provide hands-on experience to prepare these students for careers in the tech industry and help meet our workforce needs."
The new partnership aligns with Governor Shapiro's goals to increase opportunities for Pennsylvanians to succeed and attract the next generation of the workforce to public service. This includes signing an executive order on his first day in office, which affirmed that 92% of state government jobs do not require a college degree and proposing a $23.8 million investment in workforce training and apprenticeship programs in his first budget.
Governor Shapiro also signed an executive order last month establishing the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) and creating an internal team that is able to build digital products and services in house. CODE PA will work to improve online services for Pennsylvanians and streamline the way they interact with the Commonwealth online.
"This new initiative demonstrates the important role that partnerships and collaboration play in creating opportunities for learners," said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. "The Shapiro Administration is committed to giving students the freedom to chart their own course, and this internship program will provide the hands-on, real-world experiences that lead to fulfilling careers."
Students in NuPaths' Associate Website Developer and Digital Marketing Assistant programs can participate in paid internships with digital communications teams in state agencies to gain relevant experience in their field of study. Interns may write code, troubleshoot technical issues, update and maintain agency websites, draft and post social media content, design graphics, and assist web services and digital teams with overall content strategy.
The Office of Administration has established an IT apprenticeship, during which apprentices will participate in NuPaths' Technical Support Specialist program. This work-based learning program offers accelerated learning through classroom training, mentoring, and by partnering apprentices with experts in the field. Apprentices who successfully complete their one year-apprenticeship will be offered a full-time Help Desk Technician position at OA.
NuPaths offers 6-month training and certification programs for people interested in starting a career in IT, and is specifically designed for career changers, underemployed or unemployed, veterans, re-entrants, recent high school graduates, and groups traditionally under-represented in technology careers. Learn more at nupaths.org.
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