Minnesota IT Services recently celebrated its newest class of graduates from the MNIT-MNPathways ITS Trainee program. The three graduates, Abubakar (Abu) Abdi, Mason Berge, and Elizabeth Thompson, have completed 960 hours of classroom training, in addition to independent work time, module testing, and specialized topic training. This most recent class of graduates will all be working at MNIT partnering with Minnesota’s Department of Transportation.

In its second year, The MNIT-MNPathways ITS Trainee program is designed to provide a competitive entry-point into state service, specifically, preparing participants for an ITS1 classification. The program focuses on creating opportunities for underutilized protected group members who have successfully completed specialized IT training certifications and/or meet the trainee qualifications. By addressing racial, gender or disability disparities in state employment, the program helps MNIT recognize talent that falls outside of traditional work experience, bringing on board individuals that have an interest in building their career in IT, giving them the tools to be successful, and creating a pathway to professional advancement.

“The ITS Trainee Program gives sought-after training and creates a clear career path for Abu, Mason, and Elizabeth,” said Tarek Tomes, Commissioner of Minnesota IT Services. “We want to provide meaningful challenges that provoke the curiosity and career growth of individuals within state service, while promoting a diverse workforce.”

This ITS Trainee Program is one of eight ‘MNPathways’ programs that creates internships and entry level job opportunities that lead to career pathway jobs in some of our largest job families in state government. The State of Minnesota is the largest employer in Minnesota and filled over 6,000 jobs last year, ranging from snow plow drivers and food service workers to doctors, nurses and engineers. MNPathways also partners with five other public sector partners - Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, City of Minneapolis and City of St. Paul to collaboratively work on shared career pathway programs to build a better and more diverse state, county and municipal workforce.

Interested in working in IT? Visit our Careers page to view all the opportunities for employment with MNIT.