TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Over a year ago, Tallahassee was given the Tech Hire designation from the Obama administration. The Capital City was given the designation because there were over 500 tech jobs in the area that were needing to be filled.
As a way to address the issue, the city partnered with local employers and learning communities to create the I/O Avenue.
The initiative is a 12-week program that will give students the option of learning the basic or more advanced web development skills needed to fulfill a number of tech jobs.
A program like the I/O Avenue not only helps keep talent local, but those who are hired will benefit the economy.
"Can you imagine that if these were positions paying 45, 50, 60 thousand and upward, what that does for their buying power; what that does for their ability to have those dollars recalculate right here in our community," says Mayor Andrew Gillum. "It's tremendous. And so, it's not only good for the individual, but it's also good for the local economy."
Friday afternoon the I/O academy received feedback from local technological businesses before classes begin this summer.
Those interested in learning more about the program or wanting to apply can visit their website.
