From the Tallahassee Democrat
Domi, Florida A&M University, and the Office of Mayor Andrew Gillum launched I/O Avenue, a Tallahassee-based code academy Wednesday.
The program, created as a part of the larger Tallahassee TechHire Initiative, will focus on rapidly training workers to enter high-paying tech jobs in North Florida.
Announced at The Chamber’s trip to Nashville, I/O Avenue will begin taking students in the fall. It will be run out of computer labs at FAMU’s Workforce Computing Center.
“FAMU is excited about the skills and opportunities that I/O Avenue will provide to our students and to members of the community,” Larry Robinson, FAMU’s Interim President, said. “These engagements make Tallahassee a better community, and make FAMU a stronger university.”
The innovative code education program will provide training in highly sought-after software languages and development processes that complement existing university curriculum and workforce programs. To keep pace with rapidly evolving market demands, academy students will learn front- and back-end web development in a project-based environment that encourages hands-on learning and collaboration.
I/O Avenue will work with area employers to place graduates in open technology jobs.
“Hundreds of tech jobs go unfilled every year in Tallahassee,” Ryan Kopinsky, I/O Avenue’s Director, said. “If we are really going to create a thriving innovation ecosystem, we need to match local talent to local jobs.”
Academy content will be delivered in 12-week-long, part-time courses, and will include 12-18 students per cohort. The program will offer two specific tracks: The first will focus on training and securing jobs for underrepresented and economically challenged communities with no prior tech background, and the second will focus on providing enhanced training for workers and students from STEM fields that are looking to refine their skills to meet local job market demands.
“As Tallahassee continues to develop a new economy, it is increasingly important that our local workers have the skills necessary to enter the hundreds of high-paying jobs in our tech sector,” Mayor Gillum said. “This program will empower and train citizens that are hoping to pursue new career opportunities, while enhancing the local tech talent we have available for the growth of our local businesses.”
If you are interested in applying or participating as an employer partner, please visit www.ioavenue.com. General inquiries can be directed to Dustin Daniels at 850-544-6222 or Dustin.Daniels@talgov.com.
