SAN ANTONIO — Like so many others this year, James Du Jardin didn’t expect to lose his job in the oil and gas industry once the coronavirus pandemic began.
“It was kind of surreal. It was a surreal moment like oh this is actually happening. It really hit home because I’m the only income earner here,” Du Jardin said.
With 3 children, and one on the way, Du Jardin had to figure life out fast. That’s when he found the Digital Creative Institute.
“There’s this growth in a demand for tech skills and it seems to be only accelerated by the pandemic,” Digital Creative Institute CEO Brad Voeller said.
Voeller says they’ve partnered with Bexar County to provide technology skill classes for people affected by the pandemic.
“A lot of people who would do great in these jobs don’t realize that maybe the prior industry knowledge they had in retail, in hospitality, in sales, that actually could be applied in tech role,” Voeller said.
Those who qualify can even take classes for free.
“Through the Cares Act funding and through Texas Workforce Commission funding there is grant money available to facilitate learning these skills at no charge to the learner,” Voeller said.
For people who’s been feeling down this year, like Du Jardin, there might be a few more options to turn to.
“I may come from the oil field and construction industry, but I know I can do this too,” Du Jardin said.