About the UpSkill Program

We Connect The Dots is providing young adults ages 16-21 the opportunity to experience career paths in entry level technology administration roles. This 8 week program provides participants the opportunity to learn foundational skills, both soft skills and tech skills to enter the workforce. Our design process integrates industry experts in the field, neuroscience research in metacognition and our delivery team to develop programs that bring 21st century workforce skills and neuroscience research together. Each program is designed with a learning goal in mind that introduces participants to industry concepts, teaches the value of lifelong learning, supports a path that can lead to additional knowledge or experience, and above all engages to create an interest where there may have not existed before.

This collaborative approach allows us to see the learning experience from multiple perspectives and ensures we are teaching concepts that can be expanded into an interest to go deeper where there is a desire. We build foundational skills that can be leveraged in their future learning experiences and in their careers no matter what path they choose to take. Taking place this fall participants will take part in a 4 week immersive learning experience, followed by a 4 week workforce experience, where participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their new skills working in an entry level technology administrative role for local businesses and nonprofits. The program is about getting participants out of their comfort zones to learn 21st century workforce skills. This program takes a holistic approach, teaching both soft skills and technical skills to build capacity in solving complex problems, cross collaborating with team members, synthesize information, and learning about the many career opportunities in tech.

If your organization is in need of building additional capacity to support your business, sign up for our Workforce Experience program where we train and provide resources to support your businesses IT Projects. Fully managed, or partially managed by our team based on your business requirements. Resources are fully trained and ready to bring immediate business value to your organization. Sound like something you would like to learn more about? Complete this organization questionnaire form to engage with our program manager to learn more.

WORKFORCE EXPERIENCE partner registration:

Opportunity for business owners to offer a four week workforce experience to youth. Support use of their new skills for entry level jobs that lead to tech careers.

FAQ:

Q: What are the dates for the program?

A: Participants take part in a 4-week immersive instructor-led onsite learning experience between Beginning July 5th followed by a 4-week workforce experience beginning September 2nd, where participants can demonstrate their entry level technology administrative skills for local businesses and nonprofits in the region. Program dates subject to change based on enrollment.

Q: What skills will the participants learn?

A: Introduction to Microsoft Office 365 administration, Dynamics CRM and cybersecurity, modern no code development, web site administration, communication, social media and digital marketing, all which are transferrable skills to other industry platforms. Participants will also gain soft skills learning about psychological safety, critical thinking and problem solving.

Q: What projects can the participants work on at my business?

A: Projects assigned to participants must be technology-related and aligned to building additional capacity to support your business. Company web site administration, basic Microsoft 365 administration, digital marketing including email, social media, database, data entry, word processing and Internet research projects.

Q: What is the goal of the program?

A: The goal of the program is to help participants obtain entry level information technology roles. Employers seek to hire individuals in information technology which require effective communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

​Q: As a partner am I required to hire the participant after the workforce experience?

A: No. We hope that if you are satisfied with their performance and you have an open position, you would consider them.

Q: What is the cost to being a host workforce experience partner?

A: There is no cost to host a participant.

Q: Do participants need any equipment to participate?

A: Yes, equipment is required. If students need a laptop it can be provided by We Connect The Dots.