Applications are being accepted for the state’s Information Technology Leadership Academy (ITLA), a training ground for public-sector technology professionals looking to move up in management and the executive ranks.
ITLA is the flagship academy of the California Department of Technology, and this year marks the 30th cohort of the program where participants can expand their skills in leadership, executive presentations and team building. Course topics include strategic planning, conflict management, techniques for creating a dynamic leadership brand, human-centered design best practices, and a leadership workshop with a one-on-one coaching session.
The next cohort of the 17-week program runs Jan. 11 through May 4 and is open to state and local government workers “who possess a strategic and innovative mindset and aspire to move into executive or senior leadership positions,” CDT said in a news release. Candidates must be serving in an IT supervisory or IT managerial capacity, ideally have at least three years’ experience in one or a combination of both levels, and/or have completed CDT’s Emerging IT Leaders Boot Camp.
“This is our 30th IT leadership academy, which is a significant milestone for the state,” said Brenda Bridges Cruz, CDT’s deputy director of professional development. “We are planning a special celebratory kickoff event and will hear from several executives that have been instrumental in the program over the years. We’ve also worked hard to incorporate some great new classes that are timely for the skills that are needed today, and we’re excited to continue our partnership with local government agencies across the state.”
Prospective participants must be nominated by their chief information officer and are required to submit a signed CIO Authorization Form as part of their package submission. A formal letter of recommendation is no longer required.
The majority of class sessions for the 2023 program will be conducted online. However, a few classes will require in-person attendance at the CDT’s Training and Education Center in Rancho Cordova.
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Oct. 31. To apply or learn more about the program, visit CDT’s workforce development site.
