Technology remains one of the highest-growth career sectors and is projected to have one of the largest employment increases over the next decade — and with salaries now more than double the median annual wage for all occupations, transitioning to a career in tech is attractive for professionals seeking to pivot.
For those who are not interested in completing a four-year degree, tech programs are a great alternative to learn the technical skills to break into the industry. The Plug has compiled a database with over 60 tech programs that can help those looking for a way to transition into the technology space.
Several of these programs are run by organizations that have a focus on supporting Black professionals, such as Black Data Processing Associates, which runs a 12-week Cloud Academy program focused on cloud computing and cloud technology concepts with the ability to receive Google Cloud certifications. Other identity-specific organizations like Lesbians Who Tech provide LGBTQ-identifying women with scholarships to participate in coding programs.
Some of the programs have particular vertical focuses within the tech industry such as cybersecurity. The global cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, with an expected 3.5 million job openings in cybersecurity by the same year.
Black Girls in Cyber has an eight-month annual fellowship program for 10 to 15 women to prepare them for entry-level positions in cybersecurity and/or privacy. The Opportunity Hub’s Black Women in Cybersecurity Initiative program includes NSE 1-8 Certification, job placement assistance and career coaching.
The Plug has identified programs across the country with the largest concentration in San Francisco, New York and Oakland. Some other smaller cities include Cary, North Carolina; Redmond, Washington; and Pittsburgh.
There are also several programs outside the United States, with four programs in London, including Makers Academy which offers a six-week, full-time coding course virtually and at its London campus. Code First Girls, which has taught 100,000 women how to code, offers five free programs: Coding Kickstarter is a beginner course for people interested in upskilling, while CFGDegree is an intensive program for women seeking a career in software, full-stack or data specialization.
Other countries with programs featured in the database are Spain, Canada, Germany, Belgium and Australia.
