Delaware’s first IT support apprenticeship program focuses on fintech

Just past National Apprenticeship Week, Delaware now officially has its first Registered IT Technology Support Apprenticeship program, launched by Tech Impact and funded by JP Morgan Chase & Co. and the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The program will focus on the fintech industry, developing highly skilled IT talent as demand increases in the region.

“Tech Impact is excited to launch a modern-day apprentice program for modern-day tech,” said Patrick Callihan, executive director of Tech Impact. “The Delaware and Philadelphia region is one of the fastest-growing in the US. There is a strong demand here for IT talent, resulting in the need for a pipeline of highly-skilled workers to fill roles. Our new apprenticeship program will do just that — not only fill jobs with top employers in the region but also tap and develop an inclusive new talent pool to meet those needs.”

(Callihan talked to sister site Technical.ly Philly in September about how Tech Impact’s programming shifted to virtual while continuing to prepare would-be technologists for the workforce; read that story here.)

Marlette Funding, the Wilmington fintech company that is the developer of the Best Egg consumer-lending platform, has selected the first apprentice in the program. He will do coursework until January, when he will begin Marlette’s IT support apprenticeship — a full-time job that includes on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

To be considered for an apprenticeship, applicants must complete initial assessments and interviews conducted by Tech Impact. The assessment includes 60 math questions, 40 logic and critical thinking questions, and 14 soft skills questions. nNo IT experience is required, and the assessment portal links to prep resources.

“As we continue to expand our footprint in the Wilmington area, we are excited to partner with Tech Impact to create opportunities for our residents. I believe that this partnership will not only help fuel our local economy, it’ll help find talent in alternative locations and start to diversify roles within fintech companies,” said Brian Conneen, CTO of Best Egg. “It’s becoming more important that we focus on the growth and development of our state and this is a step in the right direction.”

In October, Tech Impact received $2 million in CARES Act funds for the Tech Hire program, through which Tech Impact acts as an intermediary with Delaware’s workforce system and is responsible for recruiting more than 100 people into free certificate training programs, helping recruits build soft skills while they learn their new trade and then connecting them to employers.