April 5, 2023—Changes made to CDT’s Project Management Leadership Academy (PMLA) made it more attractive to prospective students. Since its establishment in 2017, its most recent application period closed with a record number of applicants. The academy is hosted by CDT’s Office of Professional Development (OPD) and aims to develop critical project management leadership skills among students. This year, 22 students will learn from each other and return their newfound skills to their departments.
Some of the improvements that resulted in record registrations include changes to scheduling and eligibility. Class sessions are now offered in half-day increments spread across 10 weeks, providing more opportunities for students to participate in shadowing activities related to their Project Management experience. The academy is also open to a wider demographic, including those in support roles and those with only one year of experience. As a result, the number of applicants for the program has risen significantly, with 36 people applying in 2023. This represents a nearly 40% increase in applications compared to 2022 and a 260% increase compared to 2021.
OPD is committed to continually enhancing its training courses. By providing feedback, the state and local IT community can access top-notch training focusing on the critical skills needed for success in an ever-changing environment.
Email the training center at training@state.ca.gov with suggestions on improving existing courses or offering new courses you would like.