A national nonprofit is bringing its free IT training program to North Carolina to help people land jobs in tech. It's currently offered to veterans, their spouses, and 18- to 26-year-olds from underserved communities.

The group, NPower, has offered similar courses in other states like New York, California, Texas and Maryland. It boasts an 80% job placement rate in the field within six months for its graduates.

What You Need To Know

  • The free tech job training classes are for veterans, their spouses and 18- to 26-year-olds from underserved communities

  • The 16-week course meets virtually three days a week, plus one day of in-person professional development

  • NPower says 80% of graduates land a job in the field within six months 

  • The program begins in September, and registration is open now on NPower's website

"There is no prerequisite for any knowledge in tech. All we need is someone to have the willingness to start a new career," said Ray Trapp, executive director for NPower North Carolina. "We will train you, and we will get you started in the tech field."

The 16-week course is set to start on September 11 and is free. Classes meet virtually three days a week and in-person one day a week for professional development in Raleigh or Durham.

"That professional development is to give our students that extra edge, those other soft skills we hear talked about so much," Trapp said.

By the end of the course, the group expects students to earn certifications that’ll lead directly to entry-level tech jobs. NPower says over 9,000 graduates have gone on to launch careers with Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized companies, government agencies and nonprofits.

The expansion into North Carolina was made possible by funding from Truist Bank and MetLife. Trapp, previously the vice president of strategic engagement for the Research Triangle Foundation, says RTP is a significant reason why NPower selected North Carolina.

"In that previous role, I met with over 300 companies within Research Triangle Park, and 50% said diversity was a key concern for them. Another 35% said talent was a key concern for them," Trapp said. "They needed a place for new, diverse talent, so NPower comes in to fill that need for education and training for the folks right here."

Registration is open on the NPower website. Click here to learn more and apply.