The greater Chattanooga area’s technology workforce recently gained eight newly trained data analysts, thanks to the success of the Chattanooga Tech Accelerator’s inaugural cohort. Pictured are the graduates alongside program mentors and representatives from partnering organizations. Photo credit: Chattanooga 2.0.
The greater Chattanooga area’s technology workforce recently gained eight newly trained data analysts, thanks to the success of the Chattanooga Tech Accelerator’s inaugural cohort.
With a 100% graduation rate, these professionals bring fresh analytical skills to the region, further positioning Chattanooga as a growing hub for tech talent.
Cohort members were chosen from a highly competitive applicant pool of more than 180 candidates. Each trainee underwent a rigorous one-hour assessment measuring their abilities in spreadsheet management and basic data entry, with an emphasis on the development of middle skills.
Middle skill positions require more than a high school diploma but less than a traditional college degree, making this training vital to address the upcoming workforce demands. Economists believe that by 2030, more than 70% of jobs in Tennessee are expected to fall into this category.
The six-week course gave trainees six prestigious industry certifications from leading technology companies including Microsoft, Google, and LinkedIn. These credentials will prepare graduates for roles in data entry, data management, and data annotation, enhancing their competitiveness in the local IT sector. This program also serves as a pre-apprenticeship aligned with U.S. Department of Labor standards for a registered apprenticeship in Data Analytics.
To ensure success, trainees received a weekly stipend to assist with transportation and childcare. They also received a capable laptop that they were allowed to keep upon program completion, supplied by Tech Goes Home, to support their continued professional development.
Weekly soft skill and professional development sessions, coordinated in partnership with ChaTech, featured speakers from Chattanooga’s tech economy addressing vital topics such as time management, professional communication, job application, and financial literacy.
The Chattanooga Tech Accelerator was developed through Chattanooga 2.0’s collective impact model as part of its Viable Pathways to Prosperity initiative. Local partners include Tech Goes Home Tennessee, ChaTech, Chattanooga State Community College, Apprenticeship Works, and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Chattanooga 2.0 remains committed to bridging the gap to economic mobility, providing clear pathways to thriving wage jobs within Hamilton County,” says Chattanooga 2.0 Executive Director Keri Randolph.
“We know right now that a household in our area must earn at least $50,000 per year to make ends meet. Chattanooga 2.0 has mapped out ten of these ‘thriving wage’ careers, and obviously we know that wages in fields like software development and technology will continue to be very strong for the foreseeable future. We couldn’t be more proud of these graduates and are so excited to welcome our next class.”
Founded in 2016, Chattanooga 2.0 is a small nonprofit working to improve economic opportunity and quality of life in Chattanooga and Hamilton County by focusing on education attainment–from early childhood through careers.
For more information about Viable Pathways to Prosperity or to learn how you can get involved with future cohorts, visit chatt2.org/viable-pathways.