RALEIGH — Keeping the Triangle’s talent pipeline strong is key to the region’s growth, economic development experts say.
Now global tech school General Assembly (GA) is stepping up to help out with that.
Today, it announced that it is officially launching its programming in Raleigh, working with local employers and policymakers to strengthen the city’s pipeline of job-ready tech workers. It will provide local workers with today’s most in-demand technical skills: coding, data science, digital marketing, product management, and user experience (UX) design,
“There is a growing need for digital skills in today’s workforce, but the supply and demand we’re seeing in the labor market is simply not matching up,” said Jake Schwartz, CEO and co-founder of General Assembly, in a statement. As technology brings new levels of wealth to America’s “superstar” cities, other regional hubs are finding themselves lacking the skilled talent they need to keep their local economies strong.”
He added: “Accessibility is a key component to this, which is why GA is bringing our unique skills-based programs to Raleigh and other evolving job markets across the country. In doing so, we’re able to provide companies seeking a diverse pipeline of candidates with job-ready candidates armed with the digital skills they need.”
General Assembly started as a co-working space in Manhattan in 2011. It has since evolved into a global education and career development company, with more than 70,000 graduates worldwide.
The opening of its Raleigh campus follows successful expansions in Phoenix, Orlando, Detroit, Miami, Dallas, San Diego, and Houston in 2019. The company now has more than 30 locations worldwide, making it a leading source for training, staffing, and career transitions for companies and employees globally.
“There is a growing need for digital skills in today’s workforce, but the supply and demand we’re seeing in the labor market is simply not matching up,” said Jake Schwartz, CEO and Co-founder of General Assembly. “As technology brings new levels of wealth to America’s ‘superstar’ cities, other regional hubs are finding themselves lacking the skilled talent they need to keep their local economies strong. Accessibility is a key component to this, which is why GA is bringing our unique skills-based programs to Raleigh and other evolving job markets across the country. In doing so, we’re able to provide companies seeking a diverse pipeline of candidates with job-ready candidates armed with the digital skills they need.”
“The Triangle is at a major inflection point so it’s an exciting time to be where the economic growth is being defined by a grassroots community, innovative startup companies, and a new wave of new residents who are bringing their ideas, experiences, and expertise.” said Tony Kershaw, Community Manager for General Assembly Raleigh. “GA will serve as a connector, catalyst, and collaborator by hosting and collaborating on events and workshops related to careers, business, design, data science, and more, so we’re excited to be here and are excited to be contributing to the community alongside everyone here.”
Local organizations welcomed the addition.
“At Innovate Raleigh, we are committed to making our region a top center for innovation and entrepreneurship. With GA’s long history of supporting startup communities around the globe, we are thrilled to have that experience and insight locally,” said Bridget Harrington, executive director at Innovate Raleigh. “Whether it’s organizing free events for students, professionals, and the mildly curious, or to supporting our growing innovation ecosystem, I think GA will be a positive force that will connect the Triangle in new ways.”
“HQ Raleigh is excited to welcome General Assembly into our community, particularly because their workshops and classes are a perfect compliment to the resources that currently exist within the Raleigh community,” said Jessica Porta, executive director at HQ Raleigh. “GA really is a one stop shop for all things business, design, data, coding, and marketing, and I expect to see a lot of value come out of this partnership from all sides. We look forward to their presence in Raleigh and the impact they will have on the startup community.”
