Central Piedmont Community College and Create Opportunity Partner to Fill Software Jobs Sourced Directly from the Community

Create Opportunity, a workforce development initiative serving the Carolinas, is partnering with Central Piedmont Community College to launch a workforce development program designed to identify, train, and place new software engineers with local employers. Upon completion of the six-month program, participants will enroll in a two-year, paid apprenticeship (with full benefits), that will prepare them well for full-time employment as a software engineer. The program will launch mid-September 2022.

"We're excited to launch our program in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg market and support its residents through our workforce development initiatives," said Ben Rex, founder, Create Opportunity. "Our mission aligns with the county's economic development objectives by fueling the growth of existing employers and the recruitment of new employers to the region with a capable technology workforce."

Create Opportunity strives to provide individuals of all backgrounds with the opportunity to become professional software engineers, while supporting the needs of Charlotte-Mecklenburg employers and the growth of the region. Participants enter the Create Opportunity program through an aptitude-based screening exam that identifies how they can succeed at becoming a software engineer. No prior knowledge, educational background, or technical experience is required. Once participants complete the screening process, they are enrolled in a free, full-time, six-month training program at Central Piedmont, followed by a two-year, paid software development apprenticeship with a local employer.

As a program partner, Central Piedmont will guide participants through the six-month training program that prepares them for the two-year apprenticeship.

"Central Piedmont is excited to partner with Create Opportunity to provide another pathway to a family-sustaining career and greater economic mobility," said Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president. "This program will help meet the needs of local employers while giving individuals a great opportunity to build a stable career with good growth potential."

To learn more about Create Opportunity or to take the screening, visit www.createopp.com.

About Create Opportunity

Developed from the belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not, Create Opportunity is a public private partnership focused on inclusive efforts to cultivate talent and strengthen employers. By identifying and screening potential candidates, providing applicable training, and matching employers and employees, Create Opportunity is reimagining the talent pipeline for technology. For more information on screening registration, or how Create Opportunity can benefit your organization, please visit our website at www.createopp.com.

About Central Piedmont Community College

Central Piedmont Community College is highly accessible and convenient to people of all ages who seek a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform their lives and strengthen the economic, social, and cultural environment of Mecklenburg County. Central Piedmont is also a smart investment. At a fraction of the cost, students learn by doing, receiving a combination of technical and soft skills training from quality faculty who prepare them to enter the workforce and make a difference in their family, business, community, and world. Founded in 1963, Central Piedmont Community College has eight locations throughout Mecklenburg County, offering nearly 300 degree, diploma, and certification programs; customized corporate training; market-focused continuing education; and special interest classes. For more information, visit cpcc.edu, or connect with the college on social media at cpcc.edu/social.