These 3 new workforce programs can help you level up your tech career in Pittsburgh

During Pathways to Tech Careers Month here at Technical.ly, we’re thinking about all the ways a person can become a technology pro, from an apprenticeship to an engineering degree from a four-year college.

If you’re an early-stage professional looking for a program to acquire skills to advance or pivot your career, consider these new tech-forward programs from Pittsburgh organizations.

Carnegie Mellon University is partnering with TalentSprint

In the interest of improving diversity and inclusion in the tech sector, Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science is partnering with TalentSprint, a California-based edtech company, to support Google-sponsored professional development program TechWise.

Over 18 months, TechWise students receive mentorship, tech job preparation, connections to a peer network, scholarships — and now, “specialized master-classes” taught by CMU faculty members, per an announcement. Participants can receive a certificate of completion from the school’s Executive and Professional Education Program. Note, however: ​​TechWise is not for current CMU students, but for those who are enrolled in other four-year degree colleges and belong to an “underrepresented group.”

Because the program is funded entirely by Google, it’s free to its participants.

“As academic partners in this initiative, we strive to establish an inclusive ecosystem that recognizes and integrates the skills of underprivileged communities into the dynamic tech workforce,” CMU School of Computer Science Director of Executive Education Ram Konduru said in the announcement. “Through this joint effort, TechWise is set to pave the way for greater opportunities for students and a more inclusive tech environment.”

Two hundred minority students from participating community colleges and universities across the US have participated in TechWise since its launch, according to the org. The next cohort is slated to begin in early 2024 and will enroll 110 students.

If you’re an aspiring software engineer looking for an unconventional path, apply here by Jan. 30.

Innovation Works is accepting Accelerate applications

RIDC’s Tech Forge building, home to Robotics Factory. (Courtesy Desmone Architects)

Robotics Factory is an Innovation Works-run, Build Back Better-backed initiative designed to help Pittsburgh robotics entrepreneurs create, accelerate and scale their businesses. Months after the Robotics Factory moved into Tech Forge, apps are open for its Accelerate program’s second cohort. Founders chosen for this startup accelerator gain access to mentorship and resources that will assist them in building their companies over a six-month period, plus up to $100,00.

The six companies included in the first cohort were Aquatonomy, Cell X Technologies, Grasp Robotics, Leaficient, Velo AI and Voaige.

“The inaugural cohort of the Robotics Factory included a diverse set of companies tackling a wide array of problems including underwater surveillance, computer vision, cell processing, bicycle safety, and more,” Innovation Works President and CEO Ven Raju said in a written statement. “The companies benefited from value-added programming and hands-on support within key areas such as product development, customer discovery, defining and effectuating go-to-market strategy, and fundraising. Further, the companies gained access to key networks such as mentor, customer, and investor networks which are critical in helping to launch and scale a business.”

Applications for the Accelerate program are open until Feb. 29.

True T PGH is connecting Pittsburghers to free Google Career Certificates

True T PGH is a nonprofit that celebrates LGBTQ people of color through art, entertainment, community resource sharing and activism. The latest resource it’s offering local folks comes in partnership with none other than tech giant Google.

In the final days of 2023, the org announced it would be partnering with Grow With Google to form True T EDU. The program aims to bring digital skills training to LGBTQ and Black communities in the city, free of cost. Upon completing the program, participants will receive Google Career Certificates in cybersecurity, data analytics, digital marketing, ecommerce, IT support, project management or UX design.

“This collaboration marks a significant opportunity for True T PGH to extend digital skills training and resources to the underserved LGBTQIA+ and Black communities in Pittsburgh,” the announcement said. “The program aims to empower individuals with in-demand skills, eliminating barriers such as the need for prior experience or a college degree.”

Applications for the first cohort closed on Jan. 11, but keep an eye out for announcements from the program.