Arlington Talent Program Embarks on Next Phase, Applications Now Open
November 1, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arlington, VA — The Arlington Talent Program (ATP) is building on the success of its inaugural year. Designed to meet the surging demand for tech talent in the region, ATP is not just continuing; it's expanding its reach and impact.
The region's burgeoning tech sector requires skilled technologists, yet many businesses require years of experience for entry-level roles. ATP addresses this disparity by bridging the gap between tech talent demand and entry-level opportunities. In partnership with Arlington Economic Development (AED), Exelaration helps aspiring software engineers get their foot in the door with 12 weeks of paid, full-time training and experiential learning. The program enables enrollees to transition to a long-term IT career while providing local businesses with cutting-edge software solutions and vetted, experienced engineers.
“Arlington Economic Development is thrilled to be partnering with Exceleration on this second iteration of the Arlington Talent Program. With the success of the pilot, AED believes that further developing in-demand tech skills of Arlington and Alexandria residents through paid, experiential learning will continue to benefit our residents and business community.”
The Arlington Talent Program’s initial year yielded remarkable results, including a 100% program completion rate with most participants already transitioning to full-time tech employment. Average pay and work rate have increased by 26% and 38% respectively and will continue to rise as they continue to gain experience and advancement. These achievements represent not just statistics but tangible transformations in the lives of participants.
One notable development for the upcoming program cycle is the expansion of the program's eligibility to residents of Alexandria, VA, in addition to Arlington. This expansion ensures that more individuals in the region can access the program's opportunities and benefits, contributing to a broader and more diverse tech workforce.
The key to the program’s success is partnerships with local businesses looking to fill IT vacancies, using their real projects to train participants under the guidance of Exelaration’s experts. The program connects with businesses year-round through its partnership program at exelaration.com/arlingtontalentsponsors.
"Through the Arlington Talent Program, we're not just building software; we're building futures. We remove the barriers to give emerging engineers the experience and confidence they need to enter the tech workforce. This is not just a win for them; it’s a win for our whole region,” says Steve Cooper, CEO of Exelaration.
Applications for the next cohort are open through Nov. 26, 2023. Accepted participants will work full-time with Exelaration for 12 weeks beginning on Jan. 23, 2024. For more information or to apply, visit exelaration.com/arlingtontalent.