NEW ORLEANS — Operation Spark, a local nonprofit tech bootcamp dedicated to changing lives by advancing technology skills for today’s workplace, will partner with Louisiana Economic Development (LED) to provide program graduates with ongoing continuing education and certification training.
“This program will supercharge the skill set of Operation Spark’s working graduates. It can take them from junior software developers to experts in specific fields customized to their employer’s needs, such as cloud computing, security, analytics, artificial intelligence and more,” said Operation Spark CEO John Fraboni. “We are grateful to LED for recognizing our graduates’ potential to contribute to the growth of the software industry in Louisiana.”
Called “Post Op,” the program is launching with 20 Operation Spark alumni. The tuition-free pilot will be tested by Operation Spark grads who now work in companies across Louisiana. The program is designed to help participants successfully gain additional certifications or skills-training in areas identified as high-need by regional employers.
“Louisiana is among the fastest-growing tech hubs in the U.S., and that growth is by design,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “We identified digital media, software and IT services as one of our key industries, and we have invested wisely and strategically in higher education and nonprofit partnerships that support our leading technology employers. Operation Spark is a unique model providing outstanding career opportunities to underserved communities, and we proudly support their work.”
“Digital transformation in companies is in big demand now and our software developers will be able to thoroughly manage that process,” Fraboni said. “Cloud computing, scalability, modularization of platform and cost are all additional certifications that companies are asking for. With this investment in Operation Spark, everyone wins.”
The program will be all-virtual for eight to 10 hours a week. It will take place in the evenings and weekends, on a schedule that works for the participants’ needs. Certifications will be taught by industry professionals, with mentors provided to guide and encourage students through the process.
Operation Spark also offers a six-month workforce program of intensive learning for people looking to launch a high-wage, high-demand career in tech. With a 100 percent job placement record, Operation Spark’s students graduate with advanced Industry-Based Certifications in software development.
Software technology is Louisiana’s fastest-growing career field, and coding skills are now required for many of the nation’s most in-demand jobs.
“Programming is one of the few areas where the job outlook is still strong,” said Fraboni. “Coding jobs are in everything from data and software engineering to web and video game development. These jobs can provide significant lifetime earnings and are available in every industry in the world.”
For more information on Operation Spark and how to learn to code, go to www.operationspark.org.
About Operation Spark
Founded in 2014, Operation Spark opens a new door to prosperity by presenting the fastest route to a high-wage, high-demand career in software development. Operation Spark’s mission is to provide access to literacy in software creation for adults and youth across Louisiana. The learning model circumvents the high cost and lengthy time associated with higher education, getting people to the workforce much faster. It’s workforce development 2.0. For more information visit OperationSpark.org.
About LED
Louisiana Economic Development is responsible for strengthening the state’s business environment and creating a more vibrant Louisiana economy. LED cultivates jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Louisiana and promotes business opportunity for employers of all sizes. In 2020, LED attracted 58 new economic development projects representing over 11,600 new jobs, 8,600 retained jobs and more than $12.7 billion in new capital investment. LED’s Small Business Services team, in conjunction with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center Network, assisted more than 17,500 Louisiana small businesses and entrepreneurs in 2020. For more information, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com.
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