Hans is now on a promising career track as a Junior Web Application Developer at a Twin Cities-based digital marketing company. That’s a big change from the past, when he was working in in a series of low-wage jobs. His transition from unstable jobs into a rewarding career took only eight months, thanks to the training and other support he received.
In September 2018, Hans was laid off from a global provider of orthopedic devices. He had worked there for 18 months, starting in records and ending in customer service. After doing warehouse and office work for low pay following his layoff, Hans found out he was eligible for Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) because he was laid off from a company that had jobs affected by overseas commerce. In July 2020, Hans enrolled in the Dislocated Worker Program through CareerForce partner Minnesota Job Partners. Together with his career counselor, Bill, Hans embarked on a journey to find a career, supported by financial assistance for training and other support provided by the TAA program.
With guidance from Bill, Hans chose to pursue a career in Information Technology (IT). IT workers have been in demand in Minnesota’s economy for a long time. Because of the high demand for workers with the right tech skills, pay is also high: the median hourly wage for (IT) occupations was $42.71 an hour in 2020 in Minnesota. Today the field offers many experience-based positions that pay well and require only a certification or associate’s degree.
Hans knew it would take education and training to prepare for a technology career. He enrolled in Full Stack Engineering Training with Prime Digital Academy. After graduation, he began searching for junior-level IT positions. Minnesota Job Partners helped Hans land his first tech position. Their job developer ensured his résumé would rise to the top by optimizing it for the applicant-tracking software used by hiring managers. Since Hans chose an in-demand career, it didn’t take long for him to get hired.
The training he received and the career exploration and job search assistance he received thanks to the Dislocated Worker Program and TAA have made a positive change in Hans’ life. It is hard for a young person to build a life on unstable jobs, like the short-term work Hans had been doing in customer service, office work, retail and other service-related positions. Hans needed a stable career that comes with living wages, a predictable schedule, and job security – and that’s what he found in tech.
The transition to a tech career has paid off for Hans. He got a raise with a salary that pays much more than his previous jobs. He knows this is only the beginning. He is motivated to upskill and build a lasting career with his new employer.
Find out more about Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and the Dislocated Worker Program.
If you are interested in learning more about IT careers, check out this CareerForce information on tech careers, including a listing of short-term training providers.
