On August 18, CGI held a ceremony at their Lafayette facility for the first four graduates of their software developer apprenticeship program. Carlos Francis, William Kessler III, Asbel Ngetich, and Roy White received their certificates in front of a room full of CGI employees and partners, as well as local and state leaders, including Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) Secretary Ava Cates. Having now completed 12 months of on-the-job training at CGI, the apprentices have been promoted to consultants and will continue their careers at CGI supporting clients worldwide.
First of its Kind
These four were not only the first apprentices at CGI; this is the first software developer apprenticeship program to ever be deployed in Louisiana. CGI partnered with apprenticeship experts, Apprenti, to create the U.S. IT Centers Apprenticeship Program to address the nationwide shortage of tech workers. Apprentices receive structured training and mentorship with a paid stipend so they can quickly transition to a high-wage career in IT.
The apprenticeship program also supports CGI’s efforts to create opportunities for underemployed and underserved workers, including people from diverse backgrounds, people with disabilities, women, and veterans. Propelled by the success of this first group, CGI is now recruiting for an expanded program in Lafayette as well as two additional cities and more job types. Interested candidates can learn more and apply here.
One Acadiana supports this apprenticeship model, as it helps our region get closer to our 55 by 25 goal.
Apprenticeships as a Win-Win
Registered apprenticeships are federally regulated programs that provide a framework to connect employers with qualified workers who are open to learning new skills through both hands-on experience and classroom training to become proficient at their occupation.
Everyone benefits from this “earn-and-learn” strategy. Through a paid work experience, apprentices acquire competencies and knowledge in their field. By the end of their apprenticeship, they receive a portable, nationally-recognized credential to showcase their skills in their industry. Meanwhile, the employer gains a fully trained, certified, and knowledgeable employee added to their workforce.
About Apprenti
Apprenti, a 501(c)3 non-profit, delivers registered apprenticeship programs to bridge tech talent and diversity gaps. By adapting the time-tested model of apprenticeship, Apprenti helps employers meet evolving workforce needs and trains future tech workers with an emphasis on underrepresented groups. Apprenti’s programs are industry recognized and federally approved for employers with tech talent needs across the United States. Apprenti is partially funded through a U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) contract, as well as other funders nationwide. For more information on how to apply or become a hiring partner, please visit www.ApprentiCareers.org.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest IT and business consulting services firms in the world. We are insights-driven and outcome-based to help accelerate returns on your IT and business investments. CGI has more than 84,000 consultants across hundreds of locations worldwide, providing comprehensive, scalable and sustainable IT and business consulting services that are informed globally and delivered locally. CGI currently has more than 700 members in their Lafayette Center of Excellence as a part of their U.S. Onshore Delivery Center program. For more information, please visit https://www.cgi.com/us/en-us/onshore-delivery/lafayette.
