New Code Kentucky Tech Training Offered for Residents of Eastern Kentucky Free of Charge
Eastern Kentuckians interested in a career in tech now have a new pathway into the booming digital economy: Code Kentucky.
This new software development training program, which is funded through a grant from the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, blends self-guided online learning with weekly classroom meetups and mentorship. Experienced developers will serve as mentors to help answer questions and guide students through the training curriculum. The goal is to prepare participants to land a job as a junior developer upon graduation from the program.
Code Kentucky will utilize the same model as Code Louisville, which has received national recognition for its work placing graduates in tech jobs at nearly 300 companies since 2014.
“We’ve seen first-hand how effective this approach is to tech training. It is a life-changing experience for those who participate,” said Michael Gritton, Executive Director of KentuckianaWorks, which founded and runs the Code Louisville program that Code Kentucky is based on. “We’re looking forward to bringing this experience to residents of Northern and Eastern Kentucky.”
Code Kentucky will be run by KentuckianaWorks, the Louisville region’s workforce development board, in partnership with the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), and the Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board (NKWIB).
"We are excited to have this opportunity to partner with KentuckianaWorks on Code Kentucky,” said Jeff Whitehead, executive director of the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP), Inc., which has also offered training in cybersecurity and Salesforce skills. “We recognize the importance of preparing workers for high-skilled, good-paying professions in the digital economy and this program is a key part of our efforts to do that.”
Code Kentucky is launching at a time when demand for skilled developers is high and only projected to continue to grow in coming years. This program will help employers find the skills they need locally while helping its graduates embark on a new career with high potential. Data shows that jobs in the technology sector pay higher-than-average wages and are less exposed to automation.
Code Kentucky training is free of charge and no previous coding experience is required. However, space in each cohort is limited so apply now for earlier consideration. To participate in Code Kentucky, you must:
Be 18 years of age or older
Have a strong desire and commitment to learn advanced technology skills
Have access to a home computer or laptop with stable internet connection
Be able to attend weekly class meetings (6-8pm) and spend approximately 10-15 hours on the program per week
Live within the 23-county EKCEP service area, which includes: Bell, Breathitt, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, and Wolfe counties.
While Code Kentucky’s first limited cohort of 15 students will begin Aug. 30, applying now will also ensure your application will be considered for additional training sessions with expanded cohorts in the coming months in the event that you’re not accepted for the inaugural sessions.
If you’re interested in applying for Code Kentucky, contact Student Community Coordinator Jacqueline Pillay at (606) 546-2639 or via email at jlpillay@kceoc.com, or apply online at CodeKentucky.org before Aug. 22.
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates the Kentucky Career Center JobSight network of workforce centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at http://www.ekcep.org, http://www.jobsight.org and http://www.facebook.com/ekcep.
