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IT Trainee Program

Train to be an Information Technology Specialist in six months!

Minnesota IT Services’ (MNIT) IT Trainee program hires candidates into six-month temporary positions where we train you in various areas to prepare you for a permanent Information Technology Specialist 1 position with us. Upon successful completion of required trainings, you will be moved into a permanent position where you will utilize the skills you’ve developed and continue to learn and grow into the role.

About the Program

Our training program was created to prepare individuals who have successfully completed specialized IT training certifications, programs, or meet the trainee qualifications for an entry level position with MNIT. This program is designed to provide specialized training, skills, and knowledge to adequately prepare prospective candidates a pathway into MNIT with a concentration on job seekers with the greatest barriers to employment. Our mission through this program is to provide advance solutions to address disparities in education, training, and employment in Minnesota and specifically in Information Technology.

Compensation

IT Trainee: $22.64/hour

Information Technology Specialist 1 (ITS1) : $25.16 - $37.77/hour; $52,534 - $78,864/year

Benefits

Eligible for benefits, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.

How to Apply

All IT Trainee opportunities are posted for three days, and you must submit your application to be considered.

  • Search for current openings by going to: http://www.mn.gov/careers
    • Non-State Employees: Select the Search open positions button.
    • Assistive Technology Users: Select the Accessible Applicant Portal.
    • Current State Employees: Access Careers in Employee Self Service.
  • At the Minnesota Careers page select View All Jobs.
  • Filter Agency by “Minnesota IT Services”. This will show you all current job postings for our agency.
  • View the postings to see if an IT Trainee is posted. If you do not see an IT Trainee posting, sign up for job search agent email alert to ensure you don’t miss a future opportunity!
  • You can create a Job Search Agent which will send alerts to your email address when new jobs that match your search criteria are posted. You can create up to five Job Search Agents and they remain active for six months. Follow these instructions:
    • Go to http://www.mn.gov/careers
      • Non-State Employees: Select the Search open positions button.
      • Assistive Technology Users: Select the Accessible Applicant Portal.
      • Current State Employees: Access Careers in Employee Self Service.
    • At the Minnesota Careers page select View All Jobs.
    • Filter the search criteria for the Job Search Agent you want to create. Here’s instructions to sign up to have all new job postings for our agency to be emailed to you the same day they are posted.
      • Filter Agency by “Minnesota IT Services”.
      • Select Save Search.
      • Enter a name for your Job Search Agent in the Search Name
      • Select the box for Email me when new jobs meet my criteria.
      • The email address associated with your account will populate the Email To
      • Select the Save
      • Clear search filters before setting up the second search.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • When will the next opportunity be posted? We post each trainee opportunity as we have a need to hire for the position.
  • After I apply, when will I hear about the position? You will be updated via email throughout the process. On average it takes 2-3 months from the time that you apply to the time that you could start. We receive a high volume of applications for trainee opportunities, so the process may take a while. Please be patient and know we’re working through the process as quickly as possible.
  • What topics are covered in the training plan? Each trainee opportunity varies based on the work the position is responsible for after the training portion. Here are some sample topics covered:
    • Software
    • Databases
    • Modifying Coding
    • Upgrading Applications
    • New Application Build
    • Methodology
    • System Requirements
    • Development
    • Testing
    • Releases
    • Maintenance
    • Security
    • Cloud
  • Will veteran’s preference be used as a factor when hiring trainees? 
    Yes
  • Are trainee positions eligible for the Connect 700 program?
    No, as they are temporary positions that may potentially lead to permanent employment upon meeting the requirements.
  • Are current state employees eligible to participate?
    Yes. If you’re an employee in a permanent classified position and you have passed your probationary period, you may request a leave of absence from your current position for the length of the training period. It is at your agency’s discretion if they can grant a leave or not.
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