
HBS Managing the Future of Work
Redrawing the map to tech careers: Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala on skills, mobility, and AI
Apr 9, 2025
Plinio Ayala, CEO of Per Scholas, leads a nonprofit transforming tech training for underserved communities. He shares how AI is reshaping career pathways and emphasizes the need for both hard and soft skills to thrive in the evolving job market. The conversation covers the importance of addressing 'hidden workers,' advocating for skills-based hiring, and strategic partnerships that enhance curriculum and job placements. Ayala's vision for the future includes expanding access to tech careers, ensuring economic mobility for all.
34:15
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Quick takeaways
- Per Scholas' innovative training programs empower underserved communities by integrating AI and providing financial support, enhancing job placement and earnings.
- The Career Accelerator initiative signifies a vital shift in workforce development, focusing on upskilling existing workers for career advancement and economic mobility.
Deep dives
Innovative Approach to Tech Training
Acquisition entrepreneurship offers a fresh perspective on starting a business by encouraging individuals to buy existing profitable small businesses instead of building from scratch. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of tech training, where traditional boot camps may not cater to all demographics. The program discussed has successfully trained around 30,000 individuals, with a significant graduation and job placement rate, exemplifying the effectiveness of targeted training in securing jobs in lucrative tech fields. Notably, graduates from the program experience a dramatic increase in their earnings, becoming economically mobile and improving their families' financial outlook.
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