nfws-notes.md

nfws-notes.md

IT Job Climate in Wichita

Demand

Employers

• NetApp
• Wolters Kluwer
• High Touch Technologies
• Social Networking Technology
• CallCap
• BalancedComp

Skills

• Web technologies
  • Client and server side
• System admins (Linux)

Growth

• Many small-medium companies growing rapidly
• Demand for web based skills growing rapidly as well
• Various industries needing web based tools

Training

University

• High in theory, less practical skills
• Good for high skill engineering positions
• Talent retention is a problem
  • Specialized skills not always in high demand locally

Two Year College

• Traditional education systems, hard to keep current
• Lack of sufficiently trained instructors

Vocational Training

• Historically through two-year colleges
• Matches their associate degree programs closely

Meeting the Demand

Specialized Training

• Privately run
• Partnerships with local schools
• Quick programs focused on practical skills
• Focus on employer needs for entry level positions

Ad Astra Academy

• Modeled after other successful "code schools"
  • Epicodus, Hack Reactor, Coding Dojo
• Offers one-off workshops and 4 week courses
• Full stack web application development
  • Rapid growth in demand for this

Partnerships

• Butler Community College
  • Supplements Web Development Program
• Social Networking Technology
  • Need for large number of developers
  • Pushing students through for employment
  • Partnership established through WSU

EVERYONE WINS!