gener8tor Skills offers expert-led, virtual training programs designed to help individuals advance in their current roles or transition into new career paths. Through accessible, no-cost training, the program helps participants build in-demand skills, receive career coaching, and pursue meaningful employment opportunities in high-demand fields.
Program Overview
The gener8tor Skills Accelerator is a workforce development initiative that provides virtual skills training and job placement support. The May 2026 cohort is designed for unemployed and underemployed job seekers who have basic computer skills and can commit 15–20 hours per week.
For this cohort, applications are due on 22 May 2026. The program begins on 26 May 2026 and ends on either 3 July 2026 or 31 July 2026, depending on the selected career track.
Key Program Features
• One-on-One Career Coaching: Participants receive personalized support from gener8tor staff, including guidance on learning content, interview preparation, LinkedIn profiles, and resume development.
• Lunch and Learns: Expert-led sessions cover career-focused topics such as interview best practices, career pivots, and personal branding.
• Access to a Network of Peers: Participants complete the program alongside a cohort of peers, creating a supportive learning community.
• No Out-of-Pocket Cost: The program is offered at no out-of-pocket cost to eligible applicants through privately funded scholarships and public workforce programs.
• Flexible Learning: Participants can earn a gener8tor Skills Accelerator certificate by completing program modules at their own pace within the cohort timeframe.
• Job Placement Support: The program includes dedicated career coaching, long-term job placement support, and access to curated job openings.
Available Career Tracks
• IT Foundations Customer Service: A 6-week program that provides essential technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and communication skills for entry-level IT customer service roles. It prepares participants for the CompTIA IT Fundamentals certification.
• Project Management: A 6-week program that prepares participants for management-level roles by covering project planning, budgeting, scope management, and execution. It prepares participants for the Certified Associate in Project Management credential from PMI.
• IT Helpdesk: A 10-week training program covering topics such as device and software installation, maintenance, virtualization, and desktop imaging. It prepares participants for CompTIA A+ credentials and is recommended for individuals with 9–12 months of hands-on experience.
• IT Administration: A 10-week program that builds on foundational IT skills, focusing on networking components, system management, troubleshooting, and problem-solving techniques. It prepares participants for the CompTIA Network+ credential and is recommended for individuals with at least 9–12 months of relevant experience.
• Business Professional: A 6-week program covering essential business skills, including strategic planning, effective communication, time management, and workplace professionalism across a range of industries.
• Customer Service/Sales: A 6-week program that provides practical tools for customer service, including active listening, problem-solving, and de-escalation, as well as core sales skills such as negotiation and closing strategies.
• AI for Leaders: A 6-week virtual program designed for industry leaders, covering fundamental AI concepts and practical implementation strategies. The program includes weekly Lunch and Learns, self-directed learning, and networking opportunities.
• Data Analytics: A 6-week program that provides technical knowledge for early-career data analytics roles, with a focus on problem-solving and data communication. It prepares participants for the CompTIA Data+ certification and is recommended for individuals with 18–24 months of relevant experience.
Program Timeline
• Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
• Program Start: 26 May 2026
• Program End: 3 July 2026 or 31 July 2026
• Program Length: 6 or 10 weeks, depending on the selected career track
Program Impact
• Participants: 3,500+
• Graduation Rate: 87%
• Job Placement Rate: 63% after 3+ months
• National Average Salary of Hired Participants: $65,851
Graduate Employment Highlights
Graduates of the program have been hired by companies including JPMorgan, Allstate, Microsoft, U.S. Bank, Disney, State Farm, Wayfair, TEKsystems, Schneider, Jackson Hewitt, Manpower, U.S. Venture, CVS Health, Accenture, Appen, and Best Buy.
Available Program Locations
• City and County-Specific Programming: Cheyenne, WY; Chicago, IL; Fox Valley, WI; La Crosse, WI; Moreno Valley, CA for Veterans; Omaha, NE; Prior Lake, MN; Racine, WI; San Antonio, TX; Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties, WI; Warren and Youngstown, OH.
• State Programming: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Southern Virginia, Tennessee, Texas for Veterans, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Programming: Alabama, Indiana, Minnesota, Tennessee, Washington, and Wisconsin.
• Generative AI Programming: Wisconsin statewide; Milwaukee Employ the City; Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington Counties, WI; Bay Area, WI; and North Dakota and Northern Minnesota.
Application Deadline
Applications for the May 2026 gener8tor Skills Accelerator cohort close on 22 May 2026. Selected participants will begin the program on 26 May 2026, with completion dates of 3 July 2026 or 31 July 2026, depending on the selected career track.
By combining practical skills training with personalized career coaching and job placement support, the gener8tor Skills Accelerator provides a structured pathway for individuals seeking to strengthen their professional capabilities and access new employment opportunities in high-demand fields.