Workforce Technical Curriculum

About Me

  • Ian Heraty
  • Software Development Educator
  • Joined January 2023

Program Overview

  • Problem: Chicago area technology talent gap
  • Mission: Train local talent to close gap
  • Audience: Career changers, individuals without STEM backgrounds, ~30 years old (i.e. non-traditional)
  • Outcomes: Prepared for various technology roles (Developer, Project Manager, Sales, Consultant, Quality Assurance, Cybersecurity, etc.). Increased take home pay

Our Values

  • Community: Welcome diverse backgrounds, open door, office hours
  • Practical Skills: Hands-on learning, portfolio of projects, industry-recognized certifications
  • Market-Oriented: Continuous improvement, adaptability, focused on jobs and wages

Practical Skills

  • Full Stack Web Development
  • Real-world, hands-on projects
  • Professional portfolios
center

Curriculum Flow

  1. Intro: HTML/CSS, object oriented programming, basic web development, REST API, workflow tools

---> Interview

  1. Foundations: Advanced web development, databases, authentication, authorization, version control, collaboration, security, product development, etc.

---> Showcase

  1. Bridge: Continuous learning, launch plans, learning goal documents, certifications, next stack (eg Python/Django, Java/Spring, etc.), data structures & algorithms, coding interview prep, etc.

---> Job

Interviews

https://dpi-we.github.io/playlist/

Measuring Impact & Outcomes

  • Exceeding employer expectations
  • Graduates successfully transitioning into technology roles (with us and on their own)

Challenges & Future Considerations

  • Scaling the program for broader audiences
  • Balancing depth, effectiveness, and affordability
  • Maintaining instructional quality and personalized feedback at scale

Strategic Options (High-Level)

  • Continue licensing proven third-party curricula (current model).
  • Transition toward more internal curriculum ownership (resource-intensive).
  • Explore hybrid approaches (renegotiation, licensing, targeted internal development).
  • Explicit tracks (eg software, cybersecurity, consulting, etc.)

Looking Ahead

  • Do you know anyone that would be interested in working with a trainee?
  • Thank you for your leadership and support

Success Stories

Brief personal introduction and professional background.

Your role and connection to the program.

previous companies

studied cs, built up a portfolio while teaching in China

lucky enough early in my career to have an uncle to open a door when I moved back to Chicago

community

community

community

## T-Shaped Learning Philosophy

- Broad foundational tech skills combined with deep expertise in specialized areas. - Importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and practical problem-solving. - Strong integration of professional skills (communication, agile practices, teamwork).

GitHub Profile

TODO: some in between lessons

TODO: github workflow

--- ## Technical Stack & Tools Why? low barrier to entry, high practical use case - **Languages and frameworks**: Ruby, Rails, Sinatra, HTML, CSS, JavaScript - **Tools**: VS Code, Git/GitHub, Render (deployment), Codespaces

Finding jobs with us and on their own

Haneen, Manager feedback

surveys

- Positive industry and trainee feedback.

ai + outsourcing challenges investment in jr talent

- Upcoming milestones and next steps.

would love to be able to give every son/daughter of illinois a rich aunt/uncle to open a door (and keep them accountable)

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## Q&A

- Open discussion, gather feedback, answer questions.

- Brief profiles of successful trainee outcomes.

- Examples of trainees' career growth and achievements.