Applications are open for the next cohort of our code school! We are excited to expand the programming for The Mill Code School to include IT Administrator. Participants will work toward industry-recognized certifications and get access to high-paying jobs in high demand, while also earning credits toward an academic pathway at Ivy Tech. This program has transformative potential for struggling individuals, families, and Monroe County’s economy. The Code School is just one component of our commitment to supporting a sustainable, equitable future for Bloomington.
Thanks to a $100,000 grant from the City of Bloomington, we launched our first cohort last fall, during the pandemic. It was a rousing success! We received 120 applications for 40 slots, achieved an impressive 80% retention rate, and have placed 40% of the graduates in new jobs to date.
So we couldn’t wait to do it again! For this round, we’re partnering again with gener8tor Upskilling and Ivy Tech Bloomington. The program will launch on May 10, run for 10 weeks, and focus on IT Administration. Over 3.9 million IT Administrator jobs were posted on LinkedIn in 2020. You don’t need any prior experience or degrees to be eligible, and the program is self-paced, so working people can do it after hours and on weekends.
Here’s how it works: our awesome partners at gener8tor Upskilling will guide participants through the IT Administrator learning modules that are available at no cost via the LinkedIn Learning platform. The modules associated with the IT Administrator prepare participants to take the CompTIA Network + certification. Coursework covers skills to become a certified Network + administrator, including essential networking concepts, techniques to manage and administer network infrastructure, and preparation for the N10-007 exam. You’ll also earn LinkedIn Certifications in diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and professional soft skills.
Eligible participants do not need to pay any fee if they meet the following criteria:
- Indiana residents
- Have a high school diploma or GED/High School Equivalency
- Have not previously received an associate degree or higher (bachelors, masters, etc.)
- Have not previously used Next Level Jobs funding (if you have a question about this, please email bloomington-workforcetraining@ivytech.edu)
After the course, if you take the CompTIA Network + exam (the program covers exam costs for eligible participants) and pass, you’ll earn Ivy Tech credits toward a full academic pathway. The final week of the program includes an “interview swarm” where participants will use their new technical and job-seeking skills to impress hiring companies during a speed-dating-style facilitated meet-up.
This 10-week, cohort-based program will include:
- Self-paced virtual curriculum from Microsoft and LinkedIn to learn skills for positions such as IT Administrator and, earn industry-recognized certifications;
- One-on-one concierge support from the gener8tor team on the skills content, plus career coaching on resume and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile creation and interviewing;
- Technical support and mentoring from Ivy Tech faculty and professional staff;
- Virtual access to a network of peers for support and community;
- Access to The Mill’s coworking space and community-wide tech network during the program;
- And interviews with companies ready to hire candidates with these skills.
Code School is truly an opportunity to change the trajectory of your career. Put in the work, and The Mill, gener8tor, and Ivy Tech will put in the work with you. Here are a few stories from our last cohort:
- Ben entered the program super motivated to get a better job and increase his income, fast. He zipped through the 10-week program in about 6 weeks, got certified in gener8tor’s Project Management career track as well, and ultimately accepted a position as Account Executive with Civic Champs.
- Hayden started the program uncertain of her skillset and her future. She recently accepted a job with ModSquad and now uses her new coding skills in a customer service environment that deals with video game moderating. It’s one step closer to her dream job of developing video games herself.
- Karen was working part-time in her freelance consulting business. After learning more coding skills during the program, she was able to double her clients, take her business full time, and support herself fully.
How can you use The Mill Code School to get where you want to be?
The deadline to apply for the IT Administration cohort of The Mill Code School is May 5. Learn more and apply through our partners at gener8tor.
To learn more about The Mill Code School or to become a sponsor, please contact Melissa Ward, Head of Partnerships and Initiatives.