Teaching kids to code used to be a path to good jobs. AI has changed that.

Launchpad Philly is reshaping tech training to include AI skills amid a shrinking entry-level job market.

Launchpad Philly, a Philadelphia-based program, is revising its curriculum for high school students and recent graduates to address AI-driven shifts in the tech industry. This structural pivot aims to equip youth with relevant skills and work experience to improve their employment prospects in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Initially focused on coding, Launchpad Philly now integrates certifications in generative AI and project management while creating paid part-time opportunities through Launchpad Inc. The program trains about 70 students simultaneously, with some earning up to $18,000 during participation. Despite these adaptations, participants like Daniel Johnson report difficulties securing full-time tech roles. The program also provides mentorship and social work support to help students navigate these challenges. Launchpad’s executive director Dannyelle Austin notes that the market for software engineering skills has shifted from being “in mass demand” to more competitive due to AI.

Launchpad is continuing to update its curriculum and expand paid work opportunities to better prepare students for the changing job market.

While Montana is not directly mentioned, similar rural and urban communities might find value in adopting adaptive training models like Launchpad’s. As Montana faces its own workforce shifts, integrating AI competencies with real-world experience could prove crucial for local youth entering tech fields amidst evolving industry demands.

AI forces coding program to revamp how it prepares Philadelphia students for tech jobs
By Rebecca Redelmeier, Chalkbeat