Ann Arbor SPARK and Amy Cell, LLC have teamed up to address the opportunity to create a more robust, sustainable high tech talent pipeline in the Ann Arbor region. The new program, which includes a special-software focused talent initiative as well as a high tech talent initiative, is a unique and innovative way to help employers of all driving industries attract and retain critical talent.

“Our economic growth has created incredibly low unemployment, and low unemployment creates a competitive environment for employers and job seekers alike,” said Paul Krutko, president and CEO, Ann Arbor SPARK. “Ann Arbor SPARK is actively building on and retaining the incredible talent pool here, including working with our colleges to match those entering the workforce with high tech companies and the skills they need. The more our base of students know about our great companies and how their salaries will buy a higher quality of life than other parts of the country, the more of those students will choose to stay here.”

The high tech talent program is designed to be flexible, based on an employer’s needs. Its four service levels include customized programs, consultations with Amy Cell, LLC, targeted job programs, and a variety of training options to support new hires. Job seekers can be matched with companies that are hiring by submitting a resume through the Ann Arbor SPARK Job Portal or participation in Amy Cell, LLC’s Opportunity Seeker Programs, or OSP.

The collaboration between Ann Arbor SPARK and Amy Cell, LLC also includes the innovative Software Talent Attraction and Retention (STAR) program. STAR includes an internship and mentoring program, placement of recent graduates, and connecting employers to available, experienced talent. A video highlights the program: https://youtu.be/0R6BylzEPNs.

STAR job seekers will include software talent that have reached out to Amy Cell, LLC for participation as well as recent college graduates and existing college students interested in internships or part time employment to gain experience with local software companies.

About Ann Arbor SPARK

Ann Arbor SPARK is a public-private partnership of business, government, and academic institutions working to create economic prosperity in the Ann Arbor area of innovation. It identifies and meets the needs of business at every stage, from start-ups to large organizations. Ann Arbor SPARK collaborates with business, academic, government, and community investor partners including the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County, Livingston County, the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti SmartZone (LDFA), Washtenaw County etcs/Michigan Works!, the City of Ann Arbor, Bank of Ann Arbor and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. For more information, please call (734) 761-9317 or visit www.AnnArborUSA.org.