Bridging the Skills Gap: Codecraft Works' Experts Train Individuals for IT Careers

2024-11-14

Melbourne, FL - The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that there will be about 356,700 computer and information technology (IT) job openings each year from now through 2033. The explosive growth of the IT industry has led to high demand for qualified, trained candidates to fill new and vacant positions. Seeking to bridge the tech talent gap and connect interested and underserved individuals with meaningful opportunities, Codecraft Works provides technical expertise and industry training solutions so anyone can hone their skills and gain a competitive advantage in our growing digital economy.

Codecraft Works, an educational technology developer and world-class training partner, is experienced in working with students from diverse backgrounds in a variety of classroom situations. Whether the participants are a class of K-12 students, adults searching for their first job, veterans seeking to enter the IT industry, or individuals with disabilities pursuing skills for meaningful employment, our team adapts to the needs of the classroom and the partner. At present, Codecraft Works offers year-round IT training programs for adults and K-12 STEM programs through collaborators and seasonal opportunities.

VEST: Creating Aerospace and Defense Talent

Designed to connect veterans and other job-seeking individuals to open entry-level software roles in the aerospace and defense industry, Codecraft Works’ online 16-week Virtual Employment Software Training (VEST) program trains candidates in the skills sought by talent acquisition and workforce development teams. Program participants have the opportunity to pursue meaningful roles with top employers, providing continued paths for growth and achievement. In addition, upon completion of VEST, graduates will receive three-credit hours towards a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. The program has found resounding success in assisting veterans as they transition to meaningful, rewarding careers. At present, 100% of VEST graduates have been veterans, and 96% of them received job offers in the aerospace and defense industry upon completion of the program.

The VEST program provides the opportunity for industry partners to recruit and recommend their own candidates from various backgrounds, customize the subjects they are trained in, interact with them throughout the program, and receive reports on their progress. The delivery and success of these efforts are ensured by the expertise and dedication of Codecraft Works’ technical instructors. Aside from delivering technical instruction, Juan Gutierrez, Codecraft Works’ VEST Project Assistant, works to instill the mindsets needed to succeed in his students: “As an educator, I believe one needs to foster community and self-efficacy. Building community allows learners to be more successful than on their own, and a sense of self-efficacy gives them the confidence to reach their goals, long after class has ended.” Juan has earned a B.S. in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics from UCF, the Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate, CIW Javascript Specialist Certificate, and Codecraft Works Virtual Employment Software Training (VEST) Certificate.

Juan’s results speak for themselves: 100% of graduates from his most recent VEST cohort received job offers from Northrop Grumman, and all of these veterans have achieved major success in transitioning to civilian careers. The skills gained through this program will continue to benefit Northrop Grumman and their new hires, and their accomplishments also reward their Codecraft instructor. “Witnessing the vast progress of learners from start to finish, the opportunities I get to adapt to different learning styles, and the satisfaction of seeing students succeed beyond the classroom are the most rewarding aspects for me,” said Juan.

Those interested in the VEST program or other workforce development opportunities can learn more at codecraftworks.com/industry-training ⎋.

LaunchIT: Helping Underserved Populations Skill Up

In recent months, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 8.5%, more than double the unemployment rate for people without disabilities, as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor. Meanwhile, the IT industry is expected to continue experiencing explosive growth, adding to an already high demand for qualified candidates. The Bureau of Labor Statics projects about 356,700 openings in the field each year through 2033. The LaunchIT program, featuring world-class technical instructors from Codecraft Works, continues to address both employment issues by providing individuals with disabilities the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to enter the IT workforce.

LaunchIT educates, inspires and empowers. A partnership of BAC and Codecraft Works, LaunchIT combines Codecraft Work’s STEM-based, blended learning approach with BAC’s experience in serving people with disabilities to provide solutions to two workplace challenges: filling entry-level Information Technology (IT) positions and increasing employment of people with disabilities. By completing this comprehensive, six-month virtual program, people of varying abilities from all over the nation earn internationally-recognized certifications with the guidance of specialized mentors. Learning to be experts in their field, LaunchIT graduates enter the workplace with independence and confidence.

There are two professional certification tracks in the LaunchIT program: the IT Support Professional track and the Web Accessibility Professional track. In the IT Support Professional track, participants prepare for and earn certifications for entry-level positions as IT support technicians, help desk specialists, and IT assistants. Likewise, in the Web Accessibility Professional track, participants work towards certifications for careers as accessibility web testers, digital accessibility specialists, and compliance team members. James Marquis, a UX Designer and Accessibility Specialist with Codecraft Works and the LaunchIT program, said that the most rewarding aspects of teaching have been “seeing the amazing projects students have worked on, as well as seeing them earning industry certifications.” Here are some of our favorite web projects from James’ current cohort of students: Jazmin’s portfolio ⎋, Michael’s portfolio ⎋. In this same cohort, all three students who qualified for paid IAAP CPACC exam vouchers have earned their certifications, with three more students testing in the next exam session. James himself has his CPACC certification, his Trusted Tester certification from the Department of Homeland Security, and a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media with a focus on web design from the University of Central Florida.

Codecraft Works brings experience from industry professionals and technical instructors to the LaunchIT partnership. In the LaunchIT program especially, our instructors adapt to the unique needs of people with disabilities while fostering connections and IT skills. Timothy Ferraro, an IT and Cybersecurity Specialist with Codecraft Works and the LaunchIT program, recounts being inspired by the resolve and achievement of a recent student: “I had the honor of teaching and guiding a student with a traumatic brain injury last year in my class. The challenges he faced were extraordinary, and it seemed that all the cards were stacked against him. Despite that, he continued giving 100% each day to get back into the workforce. Some days were quite brutal, but he never faltered. At the end of the program, he earned all certificates offered and had a renewed fire for learning. Each time I think of him, I aim to have that level of resilience to difficulty and joy for the little things in a sometimes very difficult world.” Along with his passion for mentorship, Timothy has earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Management with a specialization in cyber security, the Google IT Support Professional certificate, and his CompTIA A+ certification.

Driven by an aspiration to help others succeed, Codecraft’s instructors are making an undeniable impact in the lives of their students. One such example is Matt Hoadley, also an IT and Cybersecurity Specialist with Codecraft Works and the LaunchIT program. Matt has a Master’s Degree in Information Security and Assurance from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as various IT and cybersecurity industry certifications from CompTIA, Google, AWS, and (ISC)2. From his most recent cohort of IT students, all graduates earned the Google IT Support Professional certificate, and 88% of graduates earned vouchers for CompTIA exams by achieving qualifying scores on practice exams. The ability to change participants’ lives through the development of technical skill is personal to our instructors. “I have an innate desire to protect and help people. Early in life, that led to me joining the Marine Corps to pursue that passion but as I grew older, I discovered other ways to find that same type of fulfillment. Teaching is one such way I learned I could satisfy my protector mindset and I’m blessed to be able to do that with Codecraft Works,” said Matt.

The first cohort of the LaunchIT Youth program will begin in January, offering a comprehensive curriculum covering essential web development skills. Designed for students ages 14 to 21 who have an IEP or a 504 plan, this opportunity will be offered by BAC in collaboration with Codecraft Works through a Florida Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) funded contract. This opportunity is 100% free for all students who meet the program requirements. Students do not have to be connected with VR to participate.

For more information about the LaunchIT or LaunchIT Youth programs, visit codecraftworks.com/industry-training/launch-it ⎋.

Youth Programs: Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM Professionals

While Codecraft Works is dedicated to and well-known for workforce development programs, we are still passionate about where we started: encouraging kids and teens to get involved in STEM activities. This year alone, Codecraft Works has contributed technical instruction and activities to summer camps and coding competitions for Brevard Public Schools, the Cyber Safety Career Camp with BAC, the Meaningful Software Innovation program with Raj Bhargava of Waverly Creations, local teams for the Air & Space Forces Association’s CyberPatriot program, and more for K-12 students.

In the early days of Codecraft, Founder and CEO Shannon Landin hosted tech meetups for kids in local spaces around Brevard County. Three SBIR Awards from the National Science Foundation and eight years of research and development later, the impact of those K-12 programs has paved the way for Codecraft Works’ online learning application, international collaborations, workforce development programs, and future growth.

Codecraft instructors’ dedication and commitment to K-12 student success continues today. For the last three years, Gil Creque, Codecraft Works’ Senior Software Engineer, has volunteered his time on evenings and weekends with the Codecraft Foundation to mentor the middle and high school students on CyberPatriot teams. In the CyberPatriot program, students learn about cybersecurity concepts like digital forensics, browser security, malware handling, and virtualization through hands-on activities. During statewide and national competitions, teams of students are given a set of virtual images that represent operating systems and are tasked with finding cybersecurity vulnerabilities and hardening the system - all while maintaining critical services in a six-hour period.

During this after-school opportunity, Gil and the other CyberPatriot mentors encourage the development of team-building, cybersecurity skills and genuine connections within the program. “I believe in community and helping to make my community a better place. Teaching and mentoring aligns with my commitment to helping others connect, grow, and succeed,” said Gil. And the Codecraft teams have great results to show for it! In last year’s competition, one of our teams advanced to the competition’s semifinals round. There, they placed 74th in the nation and 6th in the state of Florida. In Cisco technology specifically, they scored 7th in the nation and 1st in the state of Florida!

For more information about Codecraft Works’ STEM programs for K-12 students, visit codecraftworks.com/k12-stem-programs ⎋.

Customize Your Next Computer Science or STEM Initiative with Codecraft Works

Codecraft Works takes pride in the dedication and adaptability that our instructors bring to any program. Whether you support a classroom of students, veterans looking to transition to civilian careers, adults or children with disabilities, or another group of individuals, Codecraft Works excels in creating engaging training solutions for all ages and backgrounds.

Ready to learn more? We’d love to hear from you! You can contact us by phone at (321) 209-4674, by email at hello@codecraftworks.com, or by submitting an inquiry at codecraftworks.com/contact ⎋ any time.