The Capital Area Tech Knowledge E-Pathways program is a career transition program designed to help unemployed and underemployed individuals plug into and advance along a career and educational pathway related to the Computer Science 4-year degree track. The pathway features several education/training options which program participants can complete separately or in combination to prepare for high demand occupations as software testers/QA professionals, computer engineers, software developers, database administrators, etc.

Based on an individual's technical interest and aptitude, their successful completion of the required college placement tests, and ability to demonstrate certain soft skills like communication and teamwork, qualified applicants who make it through the competitive selection process will receive full tuition to complete one or more of the following education/training activities:

 A) Shorter term technical skills training in Java Development, .NET Development, IT Project Management, Business Analysis, Software Testing, etc.

B) 12-credit Software Testing Certificate of Achievement Program

C) 2-year Computer Science Associate's Degree (Transfer) Program

D) 2-year Computer Programmer Analyst Associate's Degree Program

Or E) the 3rd and/or 4th years of a Computer Science Bachelor's Degree Program

All applicants accepted into the program will receive comprehensive classroom training leading to an industry recognized certificate or degree, as well as extensive academic and career support and a paid work experience with one of the sponsoring employers.

Through this program participants will acquire the basic theoretical foundation and practical skills needed to secure entry level employment with local IT employers, while reserving the option to plug back into the pathway at the appropriate point to continue their education in pursuit of a 4-year Computer Science degree.

During phase 1 of this 4-year program, approximately 50 participants will be enrolled into Computer Science cohort group #1 or selected to complete one of the shorter-term technical skills training programs which will be based on employer need and available talent.

 Is the Capital Area Tech Knowledge E-Pathways program and related Computer Science career path right for you? Ultimately only you can answer this question. As a first step, you can Google "free online computer aptitude tests" and select one of the many free tools that are available to the public.

One tool that has been proven particularly useful is the “Onet Interest Profiler” (http://www.mynextmove.org/explore/ip) which can easily be accessed through a home internet connection or by visiting one of the Capital Area Michigan Works! service centers where it is one of the main icons displayed on the desktop of each public computer (note: the O-net system will not save a record of your interest profile so you will want to be sure to print your results for future reference).

Depending on how well you do with the online assessment you can decide whether or not to proceed with the next step in the process. If you do decide you are interested in attending one of the upcoming informational sessions, please complete and submit the form below--once your application is received staff from Capital Area Michigan Works! will contact you to confirm what informational session you have been signed up for.

There is no obligation, and all people who sign up will be provided with periodic updates regarding the Capital Area Tech Knowledge E-Pathways program as well as other resources and initiatives.

If you're not a good fit for the Capital Area Tech Knowledge E-Pathways program, but would still like to explore other IT opportunities, please visit www.camw.org/calendar.