Minneapolis–Saint Paul (MSP) faces a growing tech talent shortage, with over 60,000 open positions and projections of 75,000 tech job openings in the next decade. Software development is among the fastest-growing fields, expected to rise by 23.8% by 2026. Yet, Minnesota’s education system and migration trends aren’t producing enough qualified candidates to meet demand.
Dev10 Builds Local Tech Talent in Minneapolis
GREATER MSP reports that 8.5% of Minnesota jobs are in science and technology. However, the state graduates only around 1,200 computer science majors annually. To address this gap, Genesis10 launched Dev10, a software developer training program that identifies high-aptitude, STEM-degreed U.S. citizens and provides them with immersive Java training.
Dev10 recruits, trains, and deploys talent locally. Since its launch, 66 individuals have completed the program and now work as consultants in industries like finance, healthcare, and retail. Notably, 60% of these consultants are gender and ethnically diverse. Dev10 has also expanded to Charlotte and Dallas.
“Long-term, closing the workforce gap will take strong collaboration between corporate America and our education system,” says Angelia Brekke, Genesis10’s Managing Director. “In the short term, creative approaches and investments are required to increase workforce capacity. We need to look at talent pools through a different lens—that of aptitude.”
The Dev10 program closes the tech talent gap by recruiting locally, training locally, and deploying locally. Since Genesis10 launched Dev10, 66 people have successfully completed the Software Developer training and are working as Genesis10 consultants for clients in banking and financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Of these consultants, 60% are gender and ethnically diverse. In 2019, the Dev10 program expanded into Charlotte and Dallas.
How it Works
Candidates undergo a rigorous selection process, with only 5% accepted. Those selected receive three months of intensive training, with stipends provided by Genesis10. The program focuses on aptitude and potential, offering a new path into tech for those with STEM backgrounds.
How to get involved
Continuing to strengthen MSP’s technical workforce will require collaboration across the region as well as creative interventions like Dev10. Companies and organizations looking to take part have a direct way to get involved: consider tapping into Genesis10's Dev10 program for entry-level developer roles. They’re well-trained, high performing, and best of all already right here in MSP.
