TKG Institute is The Karcher Group’s new program created to educate and train local college and high school students interested in technology-sector careers. We’ve all heard the phrase “brain drain” and how it’s affecting businesses throughout Northeast Ohio. The Karcher Group wants to do something about it. That’s why we’ve formed the Institute as a way to combat brain drain by helping prepare local students for high tech careers, and ideally, keep them in the area.

The Karcher Group is in a fortunate position to be able to share our highly marketable skills with the young people of this area, but we also heavily rely on local talent when it’s time to make a hire. And believe us – as a firm that hires web developers and marketers on a regular basis, we know how critical it is to develop and retain local talent here in NE Ohio, for our own success and the economic success of this region.

Our goal is to provide training to students in a real world setting with real world projects. Under the guidance of the TKG staff, students can pursue training in web development, graphic design, web programming, and search engine optimization. Plus, we’ve made it flexible and easy for students to get involved:

• TKG Internship Program: Usually a summer or semester-long commitment, TKG internships are for college students who wish to learn Web development or search engine optimization under the direction of the TKG staff. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available during normal business hours.
• After Hours Program: Targeted at high school and college students, this program offers part-time employment three nights a week. Students work under the direction of TKG staff by using HTML to update the Web sites of area companies.
• Eight-Week Training Class: This free course, taught on a voluntary basis by TKG staff, is designed for high school and college students who wish to enter the After Hours program, but first need basic HTML training. Students who complete the class and pass a final exam are eligible to enter the After Hours Program.

We’re going to need your help to make this happen. Whether you are a local business, school or student, we’ve made it easy to participate in or help support the Institute. Take a few minutes to explore our site to see how you can help secure a bright future for area students and our community!