The national tech training nonprofit, NPower, is bringing their free flagship Tech Fundamentals program to the greater Raleigh and Research Triangle area, giving 18–26-year-olds and military-connected individuals the opportunity to obtain coveted tech skills and direct access to employment in the tech sector to join the new digital economy.
NPower has a proven and award-winning training model that is bridging the national talent gap in the tech industry by providing employers with diverse talent equipped with the competencies of an information technology (IT) professional with one to two years of experience. NPower produces talent that meets the needs of regional employers. A strategic partner to local businesses, to source a new talent pool of tech professionals, reduce talent search time, costs for employers to fill roles and develop a pipeline of skills-based talent from the Raleigh and Research Triangle community.
The NPower Tech Fundamentals program teaches students the basics of IT, assists with job placements and offers opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications. The free 16-week training program addresses barriers that exist among young adults, military-connected individuals, and women of color eager to enter the field of technology.
Over the past decade, NPower has provided IT, cloud, and cyber training to residents in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Missouri, Michigan, Maryland, and California. Over 9,000 NPower graduates have gone on to launch tech careers with Fortune 500 companies, mid-sized enterprises, government agencies, staffing firms, and nonprofit organizations.
More than 80 percent of NPower students secure employment or continue their education within 6 months of graduation. Graduates of the program also see an average starting salary of $48,631, according to national data from NPower.Truist Foundation and MetLife Foundation are leading the funding for NPower’s latest expansion to Raleigh, North Carolina.
“Truist Foundation believes technology can help launch careers and change lives, and NPower has a long track record of using its tech training program to contribute to the development of thriving communities across the U.S.,” said Lynette Bell, President of Truist Foundation. “Truist Foundation is excited to help NPower train more diverse tech talent in our region by expanding its services into our company’s home state of North Carolina.”
“MetLife Foundation is focused on driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented people and careers in high-growth sectors like technology enable true economic mobility and the creation of generational wealth for this community,” said Tia Hodges, President and CEO of MetLife Foundation. ”Supporting NPower’s expansion into North Carolina is a win for all of us and we are proud to continue to support NPower in this capacity.”
NPower is now accepting applications for the fall 2023 program that will launch in September. Young adults ages 18-26, military veterans, reservists, national guards, their spouses and women of color interested in applying for the free tech training program can click here to apply.
NPower appoints Ray Trapp as Executive Director of NPower North Carolina
NPower is pleased to announce the appointment of Ray Trapp as Executive Director of NPower North Carolina and will, in his new role, lead the launch of NPower’s operations in Raleigh. Trapp, a Navy Veteran, most recently served as Vice President of Strategic Engagement for the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina. In this leadership role, he created strategic partnerships between institutions of higher education, corporations, government, and the community to support 60,000 employees in more than 375 companies across the Research Triangle Foundation. Trapp also served as Director of External Affairs for North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
“We are thrilled to have Ray Trapp on board as we launch our presence in Raleigh. Ray will provide strategic guidance and oversee the region's first cohort, initial outreach, and establish collaborative partnerships. NPower is fortunate to have his experience and passion for advancing equitable access to education and achievement.” said Bea M. Tassot, VP Field Operations and Veterans Programs of NPower. “Ray is a true catalyst for change and a fantastic addition to NPower’s leadership team. We have every confidence that he will build a strong region and chart a promising future for NPower.”
“Overall, the most in-demand tech skills across Raleigh are aligned with NPower training,” said Trapp. “Employers have told us they need to hire more tech talent, and there is a clear desire to hire from our apprenticeship model. In the near future, we see a rapid increase in jobs that will require Amazon Web Services, automation, and Agile methodology. Data. SQL, Python and Data Analysis are all on the list of desired skill sets, and we see this demand only getting stronger.”
Raleigh and the Research Triangle Park region have experienced enormous economic growth in the past five years with 17 percent job growth over the last five years and a projected 70 percent population growth by 2046.
About NPower
NPower is a national nonprofit on a mission to move people from poverty to the middle class by training youth from underserved communities and military-connected individuals in a range of tech skills and placing them in quality jobs. Students who enter their free, six-month program, earn industry-recognized certifications and graduate with the competencies of an IT professional with one to two years of experience. NPower also places students in paid internships with corporate and nonprofit organizations. Eighty percent of NPower graduates get a full-time job or continue their education. Not only is NPower changing life trajectories for individuals from vulnerable communities, but they are also strengthening the overall competitiveness of U.S. businesses hamstrung by today’s limited pool of IT talent. To learn more about NPower, visit www.npower.org.
About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation's (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Established in 2020, the foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.
About MetLife Foundation
At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented communities around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas – economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities – while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since 1976, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $900 million to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.MetLife.org.
