“The ISDI grant is the first time the state has recognized the need to develop its high tech industries with this level of funding.” said Kathie Shields, executive director of Tech Collective. “It is a significant step towards promoting the many high-tech, high-skill and high-wage opportunities right here in Rhode Island. The grant will also be a critical element in developing and strengthening more than 200 of the professionals who currently comprise our workforce, our industry and our state. Tech Collective is proud to be an Industry Partner of the GWBRI and we are excited to see the improvements they are beginning to achieve with initiatives such as the Industry Partnership grants and now the Industry Skills Development Initiative grant. Rhode Island is on the right track!”
Although funded by the GWBRI, ISDI grant dollars will be distributed by the state's two local workforce investment boards (WIBs) - the Workforce Partnership of Greater Rhode Island (WPGRI) and Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston (WSPC). The grant was contracted with Tech Collective in early August 2008 and will be active until the end of July 2009. It contains four key components of training and development, raising industry awareness, developing youth initiatives and establishing a netWORKri One/Stop Career Center presence on behalf of the industry.
In addition to the incumbent worker training, a 12 week “IT Boot Camp” will provide 20 transitioning workers with industry-developed training and a 4-8 week paid internship. Youth career awareness and a partnership with Junior Achievement of Rhode Island will further involve the IT industry with K-16 education. On-line video clips, brochures and other marketing collateral will be created to showcase opportunities in the IT Industry and its presence in Rhode Island. The collateral will be made available at the state’s five netWORKri One/Stop Career Center locations. An IT Industry Liaison will also be available at the One/Stops to offer information and help strengthen connections between workforce, education and industry.
“The ISDI grant represents the best of what the private and public sectors can achieve by working together towards a common vision,” said the WPGRI’s Acting Executive Director, Nick Ucci. “Through the establishment of industry-designed and employer-driven training programs, the ISDI grant will enable Rhode Island businesses to enhance their growth and remain competitive in today’s global marketplace. Also, we will be able to work towards the creation of a workforce “pipeline”
Tech Collective is one of four GWBRI Industry Partnerships to be funded by the total 3.3 million dollar ISDI grant initiative. It will begin reaching out statewide in mid-October to IT employers and professionals who want to take advantage of the training opportunities. It will also be seeking participation from IT companies in several of its awareness and development initiatives. If you are interested in becoming involved with the Tech Collective and the ISDI grant, please contact Mrs. Kathie Shields, executive director, Tech Collective at (401)-521-7805 ext 105. For more information about the ISDI grant, please contact Mr. Nick Ucci, acting executive director, WPGRI at (401)-462-8735.
