From PhillyVoice · · 2m
AI forces coding program to revamp how it prepares Philly students for tech jobs
Philly's coding program overhauls curriculum to help students adapt to AI-driven tech jobs.
In brief
Philly's coding program overhauls curriculum to help students adapt to AI-driven tech jobs. Launchpad Philly is updating its tech training for students to include AI skills after job market shifts. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Launchpad Philly's new AI focus
Launchpad Philly began teaching coding skills to high school students and recent graduates in 2022 to help them land tech jobs.
“launchpad philly opened in 2022 with what seemed like a winning formula”
AI reshapes tech job market
The tech industry's job market has transformed in the past year, with entry level jobs drying up as companies cut thousands of positions.
“companies have cut thousands of jobs in favor of relying on ai to do basic tasks”
Students struggle to find work
Daniel Johnson, 20, who completed Launchpad Philly's program in 2024, says he has never received a job offer despite having a portfolio and strong references.
“i never get a single email back i don't even think i've received a rejection”
AI tools dominate industry now
Claude Code, Anthropic's AI coding assistant that now dominates the industry, was not widely available when Launchpad Philly first started its program.
“claudy code anthropic's ai coding assistant that now dominates the industry”
Program graduates face challenges
Last year, Launchpad Philly graduated its first cohort of 12 students from an intensive program, but only three are now working full-time.
“three are working full-time two are in college and the rest are piecing together freelance and part-time work”
Curriculum overhaul underway
Launchpad Philly is now adding certifications in generative AI and project management skills to better prepare students for the current job market.
“participants now can get multiple certifications to show they have experience using generative ai and project management skills”
New business model for students
Launchpad Inc. creates work opportunities for students by connecting them with local companies and nonprofits for part-time projects at $20 per hour.
“it only offers part-time work but pays twenty dollars per hour”
Students adapt to AI reality
Bianca Ruiz, 18, joined Launchpad Philly recently and is learning about AI's capabilities while understanding its limitations in critical thinking and decision-making.
“i feel like ai could take a portion of my job but i don't think it could take the whole thing”
Program's future challenges
Demitri DeLuca-Lyons, 20, who graduated from Launchpad Philly last year, hopes to get a full-time tech job but is skeptical about the job market rebounding for non-college graduates.
“a lot of my strategy kind of hinged on trying to stay here as long as i can to build up my work experience”
Program's role in Philly education
Half of Philadelphia's public school graduates do not pursue college after high school, making Launchpad Philly's support crucial for career pathways.
“half of philly's public school graduates don't go on to college once they get their diplomas”
AI skills for the future
Launchpad Philly is reworking its curriculum to focus on translating technical tools for people in other business roles rather than just coding skills.
“lessons focus more on translating technical tools for people in other business roles rather than just on coding”
Program's impact on students
Students now receive mentorship and social work support to develop interpersonal skills for the workplace, addressing challenges after high school graduation.
“launchpad employs a social worker to help participants develop the interpersonal skills they'll need for the workplace”
What happens next
Launchpad Philly is updating its curriculum and creating direct work opportunities to help students navigate the evolving tech job market.
“launchpad philly is overhauling its curriculum and providing more direct work experience in an effort to keep the door to well-paid tech jobs open”
The key point
Launchpad Philly is updating its tech training for students to include AI skills after job market shifts.
