Upskill Workforce Experience Partners
Provide an opportunity for a graduate (ages 18 and older) to gain hands-on work experience in a real-world tech environment, contributing to your business while preparing for a career in technology
About UpSkill Program:
The Upskill Program is an 8-week virtual pre-apprenticeship initiative designed by We Connect The Dots, Inc. in collaboration with Nebula Academy, a NYS- and U.S. Department of Labor-approved registered apprenticeship sponsor. It provides scholarship-based training to underserved and underrepresented communities, including women, veterans, and unemployed or underemployed New York State residents earning less than $45,000 annually.
The program consists of:
4 weeks of Workforce Training – Foundational IT and business process automation skills.
4 weeks of Workforce Applied Training Experience – Hands-on, real-world application of skills in a conceptual business environment.
Value to Workforce Experience Partners
Employers partnering with the Upskill Program gain access to highly trained, job-ready candidates who:
Have hands-on experience through a real-world applied training model.
Understand business automation & AI integration, helping companies streamline operations.
Can contribute immediately to IT, technology support, and automation projects.
Possess strong soft skills, making them effective communicators and adaptable employees.
Are diverse and resilient, bringing fresh perspectives to the workforce.
Pathways for Graduates
Graduates of the Upskill Program have multiple career progression options:
Enter the workforce immediately in entry-level IT and technology roles.
Join a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program through Nebula Academy and other workforce partners.
Pursue further education or specialized IT certifications to advance their careers.
The Upskill Program offers a talent pipeline for workforce partners, ensuring diverse, skilled, and workforce-ready individuals are prepared for technology-driven careers across all industries.
Partner with Tomorrow’s Tech Talent, Today
Organizations have a unique opportunity to benefit from the skills, energy, and fresh perspective of our graduates through a 4-week hands-on work experience that bridges the gap between the classroom and the professional world. This immersive experience allows students to apply their newly acquired career and technology skills to real-world projects, showcase their capabilities, and make meaningful contributions to your business.
By participating in our Workforce Experience Program, your organization gains early access to a pipeline of diverse, motivated, and tech-savvy talent, while actively shaping the next generation of industry professionals.
If you have current or upcoming projects that align with the skill sets of our graduates, we’d welcome the opportunity to explore how we can collaborate. We’re confident their commitment, technical knowledge, and problem-solving mindset will bring immediate value to your team.
FAQ:
Q: What are the dates for the program?
A: The program begins with a 4-week immersive, instructor-led onsite learning experience starting Monday, May 5th, 2025 - Monday, June 9th, 2025, Workforce Experience - 4 weeks: Tuesday, June 10th, 2025 - Tuesday, July 10th, 2025. During this time, participants will apply their entry-level technology and administrative skills to real-world projects for local businesses and nonprofits. Please note: Dates are subject to change based on enrollment.
Q: What skills will participants gain?
A: Participants will develop both technical and professional skills, including: Microsoft Office 365 Administration, SharePoint Administration. PowerApps and Power Automate Administration, Social Media and Marketing Support, WordPress/No-Code Web Administration. In addition, participants will build soft skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, and understanding psychological safety in the workplace.
Q: How are businesses selected to host a participant?
A: Businesses are chosen based on:
Alignment of available projects with the participant skill set
Program scheduling compatibility
The number of partners needed per student cohort
Q: What types of projects can participants support?
A: Projects should be technology-focused and designed to help build operational capacity in your organization. Participants are trained to support: Microsoft Office 365 platform administration, SharePoint and internal collaboration tools, PowerApps/Power Automate workflow creation, Social media content and marketing support and WordPress or no-code website maintenance and updates
Q: What is the goal of the program?
A: The primary goal is to prepare participants for entry-level roles in information technology. The program equips them with in-demand technical skills as well as the critical soft skills employers seek, such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Q: Am I required to hire the participant after the workforce experience?
A: No, there is no obligation to hire. However, if you’re impressed by their performance and have an available role, we encourage you to consider them for employment.
Q: What does it cost to participate as a workforce experience partner?
A: There is no cost to host a participant.
Q: Do participants need to bring any equipment?
A: No. Participants are provided with laptops and any necessary tools for the full duration of the program.
