Called Creating IL Talent, the program was created in partnership between the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago, software development company GeneXus USA, and tech hub Blue 1647. The program is free to all students, and all participating organizations are donating their services toward the initiative. Students of the program will be trained using GeneXus USA’s software and will attend classes and career readiness workshops at Blue 1647. After going through 52 hours of technical education and 18 hours of career readiness support, participants in Creating IL Talent will be provided with job placement assistance to help them get their feet in the technology sector. A pilot course for the program started on Saturday, May 10, and includes women 18 years of age and older. Future courses will involve minorities of either gender. In order to apply for the courses at Creating IL Talent, applicants should be 18 years or older, hold a high school diploma (or its equivalent), and should be interested in web and mobile software development. To learn more, visit Creating IL Talent’s website.
