Yet another big tech giant is helping to boost software programming training and potential job creation efforts

[MMT]

Yet another big tech giant is helping to boost software programming training and potential job creation efforts in Detroit.

E-commerce behemoth Amazon.com Inc. said Tuesday it's providing funding for a cohort of up-and-coming programmers at Grand Circus, a technology training boot camp in downtown Detroit that is among the portfolio of companies tied to billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert.

Graduates of the free 28-week program, which will focus on Java programming, will have the opportunity to interview for entry-level developer roles at Amazon's downtown Detroit office, which employs nearly 500 people, according to a news release.

"Working with Amazon on this initiative is an exciting opportunity for everyone involved, especially prospective students," Damien Rocchi, founder and CEO of Grand Circus, said in the release. "Our mission since inception has been to bridge the talent gap that exists between Detroiters and the growing technical job opportunities in the city. We are proud to have helped hundreds of people advance their careers and we're excited to ensure more people in metro Detroit will be able to gain the critical skills they need to succeed in their careers."

Financial terms of the arrangement between Amazon and Grand Circus were not disclosed.

Seattle-based Amazon has a total market valuation of more than $1.6 trillion.

The programming will take place virtually beginning March 28 and run through late September. Those interested can apply at grandcircus.co/amazon.

In 2017, social networking company Facebook announced a partnership with Grand Circus, funding the training of 3,000 Michigan workers for digital jobs.
As proof of the need for such a program, Grand Circus and Amazon officials point to the dearth of internet access in Detroit, often called the "digital divide."

The issue of better connecting Detroit residents with reliable internet access has drawn millions of dollars in support from a long list of corporate philanthropy organizations for years, as Crain's has reported.

"Technical skills are more important than ever for candidates applying to roles at Amazon and beyond right now," Garret Gaw, a Detroit-based director for software development, said in the news release. "Grand Circus is a results-oriented, trusted organization, and we are proud to be the latest local employer to help them expand their reach to prepare even more interested students for exciting, well-paying, and in-demand technical roles."

Other tech giants have also made inroads in Detroit's expanding technology sector. Late last year, for example, Michigan State University and iPhone maker Apple Inc. opened a joint developer academy in downtown Detroit focused on preparing "students for jobs in the thriving iOS app economy," as well as teaching the fundamentals of coding and other aspects of software development.

 

 

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