Today, BUiLT launched its employability initiative to retain and restore tech jobs for Black professionals. The initiative is a direct response to the challenges faced by Black technologists, who have been disproportionately affected by layoffs in the tech sector. In 2023 alone, the industry shed over 240,000 jobs, with Black professionals bearing an unequal portion of these losses. Too often, Blacks in tech are the last hired and first fired.
The BUiLT REIT (retaining employability in tech) Program
Supported by a March 2024 Google commercialization grant, the BUiLT REIT program is designed to help Black professionals regain lost positions and maintain current roles in tech. Those accepted into the program undergo a comprehensive 90-day curriculum of tech training, soft skills development, and mentoring. Program graduates receive ongoing annual training, testing, tracking, and certification to maintain their employability throughout their tech careers. Participants in the program can begin to apply on September 15, 2024. In the program, Participants complete two to eight learning paths on both technical skills and business topics. Mentorship is available in areas such as dealing with workplace bias, working with tough bosses, getting a new boss, and succeeding through team dynamics.
Today, leading companies like American Airlines have joined the initiative, gaining priority access to a pool of certified Black technologists with in-demand skills. This connection is strengthened through regular opportunities that engage program graduates, creating an innovative, continuous pipeline of qualified Black tech talent for employers in the program.
BUiLT is now inviting mentors and trainers to participate with the REIT initiative. This collaborative effort aims to maximize and share resources to improve employment outcomes for participants.
Peter Beasley, BUiLT’s Executive Director, stated, “This innovative initiative helps maintain the progress made over the past five years in diversifying the tech industry. We’re committed and invite others to join in this or similar initiatives to address the persistent underrepresentation of Black professionals in tech.”
Program Highlights
• Employers, mentors, trainers, and nonprofits can register now to participate
• Participant applications open: September 15 – October 5, 2024
• No cost for BUiLT members who qualify into the program
• Tax-deductible donations accepted
• Employers maintain continuous innovative engagements with program graduates
For more information on how to apply, donate, or join the program, visit https://builtinternational.org/built-reit/ or watch the launch video. https://youtu.be/6xBQ9ha36uE