In partnership with John Deere, the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) has launched Iowa Tech Connect, a new talent development initiative.
The initiative’s focus is to offer professional guidance to experienced tech professionals from diverse industries, according to a press release.
“We know that talent retention is a real and ongoing challenge, so we identified a clear underserved area of our ecosystem which is a lack of community and guidance for early career tech professionals,” said Brian Waller, president of TAI, in a news release. “This dynamic program will provide opportunities to take the next step in their careers, build a strong peer network, and contribute to the growth of Iowa’s technology ecosystem.”
The Iowa Tech Connect program will include six day-long professional development sessions starting in July. Nominations are open through March 31 and individual applications will open in April 2023.
“We have an opportunity to build a thriving network of tech people that brings diversity of thought, gender, experiences, ethnicity and passion for tech in our state,” said Joel Hergenreter, ISG embedded system test and validation lead at John Deere, in a statement. “By creating this network, we’ll drive more innovation to fuel more people to consider moving to and staying in Iowa. This program will be an accelerator in creating this technical network within our great state.”
In November, TAI crowned five Corridor businesses as winners of the Prometheus Awards. Those businesses were SwineTech, UnityPoint Health, ProCircular, GDIT and the Iowa City Community Schools District.
