Innovative Job Training Partnership Lifts Those in Recovery
September 20, 2021
For the past year, BFIT has partnered with Access to Recovery (ATR) to offer robust computer technology training to people in early recovery from substance abuse disorders.
The innovative training program was featured in the September 2021 issue of NAWDP Advantage, the newsletter of the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.
As the article noted, BFIT and ATR worked together to adapt the curriculum to include best practices for people in recovery. The original curriculum was condensed from being part of BFIT’s traditional two-year Computer Information Technology associate degree program to a 40-hours-a-week, 20-week timeframe that would fit in the bounds of a six-month program.
That adjustment allowed ATR participants to complete the program in a much shorter window and the scheduled gave participants a better feel for an authentic work week. During the program, participants can earn the Google IT Support Professional Certificate, as well as CompTIA A+ Core 1 and 2, and Linux+ certifications.
In addition to professional support form ATR’s care coordinators, the program includes peer-to-peer support, where participants with similar backgrounds and time in recovery hold each other accountable and offer each other tutoring and/or companionship while studying for final exams.
To date, six participants have graduated from the program.
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