Oct. 5 is Deadline for Pragmatic Works Foundation’s Next Free IT Training and Job Placement Class

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Pragmatic Works Foundation, a non-profit branch of Jacksonville-based Pragmatic Works, is accepting applications through Oct. 5 for an upcoming training and job-placement class.

The free session – scheduled for Oct. 24-28 – is designed for military personnel transitioning back to civilian life, those who have suffered a job loss, and others who are struggling and do not have the financial means to break into the Internet technology field, said Brian Knight, founder of Pragmatic Works.

“With thousands of soldiers returning from military service abroad and many companies cutting jobs, the foundation is trying to help jump start IT careers while filling a skill shortage in the industry,” he said.

In its fourth year, the Pragmatic Works Foundation’s classes offer technical training such as database administration, business intelligence and application development. The foundation recently added an optional second week of training to their curriculum.

In addition to the technological training the program provides, students in the program also are mentored on skills to help them master interviews and are given job placement services through an onsite recruiter.

“We’re passionate about changing the lives of the individuals going through the program by giving them a career path that will excite them and give them the maximum opportunity,” Knight said. “The veterans we typically see may have had a very technical job in the military but, when they try to transition those same skills to the civilian world hiring managers want more focused skills.”

Knight said the foundation looks for those who are “very passionate” about getting into the technology field, but can’t make the financial investments needed for training and hardware.

“Our goal is to provide candidates the opportunity to learn new technologies from industry experts,” he said. “We can teach them the technical aspects, but we can’t teach them the passion.”

Those interested in attending the session should complete a profile at www.pragmaticworks.com/foundation.

In addition to prospective students, the Foundation also is seeking businesses to serve as partners by providing jobs to those who complete the training program. Interested hiring managers can contact Pragmatic Works at foundation@pragmaticworks.com.

About Pragmatic Works: Pragmatic Works – a privately held technology company headquartered in Jacksonville – provides training, tools, and implementation services on the Microsoft business intelligence platform. Whether you are just getting started, or need full scale BI projects, Pragmatic Works is your source for SQL Server SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and SharePoint. The company has additional sales office in Boston and a technology center in Atlanta. For details, please visit www.pragmaticworks.com.