Technology training

Grant to fund development of an employer-led alliance 
and to train workers for technology careers

PITTSBURGH, PA (August 4, 2000) – The Ford Foundation recently awarded $50,000 to the Pittsburgh region for the development of an employer-led alliance and training plan to help people acquire the skills they need to pursue careers in information technology (IT).

As announced by the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (TRWIB), the funding is part of a $375,000 Ford Foundation grant that will launch the establishment of employer-led alliances in Pittsburgh and four other cities: Philadelphia, Cleveland, Louisville and Indianapolis. These alliances will accelerate, expand and improve education and training for IT occupations, especially for individuals now working in low-wage jobs with limited career potential.

In Pittsburgh, the lead organization in coordinating the development of the employer-led alliance and training plan, known as the "IT Skill Alliance" initiative, is Workforce Connections, a strategic planning and policy coordination organization that is part of the Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) Western Division. PEL will administer the Ford Foundation funding.

Workforce Connections efforts are backed by corporate and civic leadership. A key partner in the "IT Skill Alliance" initiative planning group is the Pittsburgh Technology Council (PTC), the largest regional technology trade association in the United States. PTC is responsible for coordinating efforts with advanced manufacturing and IT industry groups, and providing technical guidance for the Pittsburgh "IT Skill Alliance." Other members of the planning partnership include:

	The Southwest Pennsylvania Connection, a consortium of schools, businesses and community organizations promoting and developing school-to-career partnerships;
	WedNetPA, Southwest Center, a regionally focused alliance of Pennsylvania’s 14 state-system universities and 15 community colleges;
	The Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board (TRWIB), the single WIB for Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, and one of 22 WIBs statewide;
	Carnegie-Mellon University, one of the premier IT schools worldwide, already working on several projects to stimulate IT skill development;
	Commission on Workforce Excellence, which will take on new roles to help community-based organizations support workforce development;
	Several major area employers to be announced at a future date.

Four intermediate outcomes are to be achieved during the next year:

1. The region will complete the basic design and organization of the regional "IT Skill Alliance" initiative, with key participants on board and an organizational development plan in place.
2. The region will put in place a comprehensive methodology for estimating occupational needs on an ongoing basis, measuring the current supply of skills and the delivery capacity of existing education and training providers, and establishing critical priorities for new and current IT awareness and skill development programs.
3. The region will improve access to IT training and job placement for individuals whose limited educational preparation and work experience has confined them to low wage jobs.
4. The region will devise a long-term strategy for significantly increasing public and private resources for IT education and training.

A key feature of the "IT Skill Alliance" initiative is its cooperative learning arrangement among the participants. On a national level, three organizations are partnering to bring additional expertise to this project.

	CompTIA, a national association of computer and information technology companies such as IBM and Microsoft, will assist in the design and organization of the regional "IT Skills Alliance," including identifying key employers and CompTIA members for participation. The company will help develop "training and certification pathways" to strengthen career mobility and advancement for IT workers and facilitate easier access to the industry for individuals moving from welfare-to-work or making other career transitions. CompTIA will also develop national IT skills standards.
	Manpower, Inc. will bring two important attributes to the "IT Skills Alliance." It will extend to the region a program of adult welfare-to-work training that (with its partners Unisys and Hewlett-Packard) it has been piloting in other areas. Manpower, Inc. also offers wide experience in conventional training of workers in IT skills.
	Cisco Systems has long demonstrated a strong commitment to helping disadvantaged young adults gain the IT skills that can lead them into family-supporting IT careers. Through this program, Cisco will share its experience in IT training as well as its cutting edge perspectives on industry change and shifting skill requirements.

"As a local leadership organization, we endorse the "IT Skills Alliance" and report strong community support for its goals," said David J. Malone, Chairperson, TRWIB. "This is an initiative that will help people get jobs and attract companies to Pittsburgh where employers will be able to find the resources they need for immediate and long-term success.

"In recent years, it has become clear that IT occupational shortages are constraining economic growth in many areas. There are not enough technicians to supply the growing demand of IT companies. These companies could develop faster and generate more wealth for the region if more highly skilled workers were available. Another reason why this is initiative is critical is the potential to reform the old labor market model and build new mechanisms to connect workers, employers, educators and training providers for far-reaching success."

Steve Mitchell, Director, Workforce Connections, said, "The "IT Skill Alliance" will help job seekers and skill seekers to navigate pathways to family-supporting careers in IT. It will also promote the concept of ‘career ladders,’ demonstrating how individuals can progressively build skills to meet career objectives.

"We are well advanced in establishing formal alliances for IT skill development and plan to create a number of working groups within the broad structure of the alliance. Additionally, some key elements of the plan’s information collection systems are already in place. This is all part of the area’s long-term plan and strategy for significantly expanding IT education and skill development."

With headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh, the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board is composed of community, business and government leaders whose strategic oversight and direction have helped to initiate local career development programs such as Pittsburgh/Allegheny County CareerLink.

###