Ramsey County Tech Squads connects young people with IT opportunities through training, work experience

An ongoing initiative in Ramsey County provides young people with the technology training required for a variety of tech support roles in Ramsey County. The Tech Squads program is funded through a legislative direct appropriation and targets people aged 18-24 living in low-income areas. These state funds were allocated for workforce readiness and to address employment barriers for young people by helping them jumpstart a career in tech support. 

Within the seven-county metro area, the information technology sector provides 17% more careers than the national average, and entry-level support roles hire workers without a four-year degree. These IT jobs provide average annual salaries capable of meeting or exceeding local basic needs, creating new opportunities for young workers raised in low-income regions. 
According to data compiled by Real Time Talent from the Lightcast 2025Q1 dataset, the average annual wages for IT occupations without a degree requirement are $71,000 for a computer user support specialist, $81,600 for computer network support specialists, and $95,500 for web and digital interface designers. Entry-level workers start at an average salary of $53,400 in a computer user support specialist role.

Training with Tech Squads

Matt Saari, Tech Squad Specialist, said participants join the program and spend 12 weeks on basic instruction in information technology and customer service through a specialized program with Saint Paul College. Coursework is tailored to help students achieve a CompTIA A+ certification, a widely recognized designation for IT professionals. 

Applying new skills in Ramsey County

When instructional sessions are completed, participants embark on 320 hours of work experience funded by the program. The program sponsors a 1-800 number people can call with tech questions, and walk-in tech support hours are offered at various locations, such as Saint Paul Public Library branches. The benefits are twofold.

“We look at community-based work,” Saari explained. “When the work is being done, the experience is valuable for the participants, but it’s also going back to the community members of Ramsey County and the state, because that is who funded this. We want to make sure the work gives back. It’s an opportunity for the young folks to put the experience to work with practical use. They start learning about how to provide IT support with the idea that they can get hired into entry-level positions.” 

With these jobs, participants start off as the first contact in tech support, answering calls, triaging problems, providing solutions to level one inquiries, and escalating additional issues. 

“It’s a great place to get started,” Saari explained, “because that is where the most positions are available. We’re trying to help these folks who find a four-year college isn’t the best option due to financial concerns, family concerns, or other reasons. The idea is to address, ‘How do we help people in that environment?’” 

Obtaining employment

As participants move through the program, some learn a career in IT isn’t the best fit and pursue other opportunities. Others start applying for jobs as they complete work experience sessions and land a new job in IT early. While 320 hours is the target range for on-the-job training, the program continues to work with active participants to ensure they have the resources required to secure future employment.

The participants who have found related jobs provide IT services for employers in Saint Paul or the Twin Cities metro. Saari said others have moved on to internships or full-time school to pursue career opportunities. 

What’s next for Tech Squads?

The Tech Squads program launched with an initial cohort of participants acquired from promotion through Right Track Saint Paul. Approximately 500 people responded, and following a series of interviews, a first cohort was chosen to move through instructional sessions and work experience. The same candidate pool and referrals fueled the second and third cohorts. The goal was to successfully guide 50 people through the program, and Tech Squads has moved 51 people through so far. Saari said one last cohort of a limited size may be possible with the funding allocated in the original appropriation. 

While employment trends across industries continue to bring new challenges and opportunities to Ramsey County, Workforce Solutions can offer assistance to employers and job seekers. Email us at employerservices@co.ramsey.mn.us today! Explore workforce demographics in Ramsey County here and sign up for the Workforce Innovation Board, Youth Works!, and Job Seeker newsletters to learn more about workforce shifts in Ramsey County.