Supporting the Future Workforce — TechBoost and TechQuest Grants Explained

The TechBoost Project and the TechQuest Apprenticeship Program are U.S. Department of Labor-funded initiatives led by Clark University to provide work-based training opportunities in IT and IT-related industry sectors. Nationwide, the Tech Quest grant supplies 4000 pre-apprenticeships and 1000 IT and IT-related apprenticeships to unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers over four (4) years. GuilfordWorks was awarded $102,500 for the Tech Quest Grant in 2021 to serve 360 individuals in pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship activities within the Guilford County region through “Sector-Based Strategies.” 

In September 2020, the Department of Labor announced the release of $150 million in funding for the H-1B Workforce Grant. Clark University received $10 million to expand work-based learning in the areas of Information Technology (IT); they named their grant TechBoost. In partnership with Clark University, GuilfordWorks was awarded $183,000 for the TechBoost Grant in 2021. This grant allows GuilfordWorks to serve 800 participants over a cumulative four (4) year period in IT education/training to obtain credentials through work-based training programs such as the GuilfordWorks Gear Up | ASAP (Adult Specialized Apprenticeship Program).

TechBoost’s target group is individuals unemployed and underemployed. Priority is given to individuals:

• who lost their jobs due to Covid-19
• with significant workforce barriers
• who do not have the traditional education or experience to move through an IT career pathway
• who represent a wide demographic educationally and a broad spectrum of age, race and gender
• with only a high school diploma and able to participate in entry-level work experience, designed to introduce them to the IT industry and prepare them for skills upgrading and employment in IT as a career choice

This grant also supports wrap-around services for participants needing equipment, childcare assistance, and transportation during training.

Notable Accomplishments:

TechBoost

Pre-Apprenticeship Educational Partner: RTriad Enterprises

• All Pre-Apprentices received 100% full coverage (tuition-free) for Pre-Apprenticeship training.
• 8 Participants earned the CertMaster Learn for ITF+ training.
• 6 completed the requirements and were recognized as Comptia ITF+.
• Placed 3 Apprentices with the Longleaf Network, making $20/hour.
• Students are employed as Cyber Security Specialists at BCBS via TEKsystems and Longleaf Network Systems as Helpdesk 1.

TechQuest

Pre-Apprenticeship Educational Partner: Nehemiah Empowerment Community Center

• All Pre-Apprentices received 100% full coverage (tuition-free) for Pre-Apprenticeship training.
• 6 participants completed Pre-Apprenticeship training for IT/Computer Support Specialist.
• Pre-Apprentices earned $17/hr as IT Interns for their Pre-Apprenticeship Work Experience.
• All Pre-Apprentices earned their Digital Literacy Certificate.
• All Pre-Apprentices passed Comptia ITF Exams.