Imagine landing a job that pays well, offers room for growth and gives you the skills to thrive in today’s digital world. That’s exactly what TechUp, a program from BLit (Blacks and Latinos in Tech), is designed to help you do.
With two powerful courses — Office Pro and Digital Literacy — TechUp provides the foundation you need to start your journey in tech and beyond.
Why digital skills matter
Today, 92% of jobs require digital skills. Yet, one in three workers don’t have them. This skill gap hits Black and Latino workers the hardest, making it more difficult to find good jobs and earn more money. But here’s the good news: Even basic digital skills can boost pay by 23%, and advanced skills can increase earnings by 45%, according to the National Skills Coalition.
Memphis is projected to see an 18% growth in tech jobs by the end of this year. That means thousands of new opportunities in health care, logistics, manufacturing, retail and education. Roles in cloud computing, cybersecurity and AI are particularly in demand. Companies like FedEx, Nvidia and Dell are driving digital expansion, creating even more opportunities for those with the right skills.
Whether you see yourself in an office, in logistics or even working from home, digital skills will set you apart.
Jobs this training can help you qualify for include:
1. Administrative assistant
Administrative assistants play a key role in keeping offices running smoothly. With TechUp’s Office Pro course, you’ll learn to draft letters and reports in Microsoft Word, organize emails and schedules in Outlook, create presentations in PowerPoint and track expenses and data in Excel. These skills make you valuable in a variety of office settings. As you gain experience, you can move into roles, such as office manager, executive assistant or HR specialist.
2. Data entry specialist
Companies need employees who can accurately input and manage data. As a data entry specialist, you will learn to work with Excel spreadsheets, ensuring that records are accurate and well-organized. These roles are available in many industries, and with experience, you could advance to become a data analyst, IT support specialist or operations coordinator.
3. Retail and e-commerce assistant
The retail world is going digital. As a retail and e-commerce assistant, you will process online orders, track shipments and update inventory using digital tools like spreadsheets. Communication via email with vendors and customers is essential in this role. With time, you can step into higher positions, such as e-commerce manager, supply chain coordinator or marketing specialist.
4. Customer service representative
Customer service representatives interact with clients via phone, email and online chat. The ability to manage emails effectively, navigate databases to track customer issues and stay organized with spreadsheets will help you stand out. Businesses rely on employees who can use digital tools to respond to customer needs efficiently. Over time, you can grow into roles like sales manager, customer experience lead or business analyst.
5. Health care office assistant
Health care is rapidly integrating technology. As a health care office assistant, you will use digital tools to schedule appointments, update patient records and communicate with patients through online portals. The ability to maintain organized databases is essential in medical offices. This role can lead to career paths like medical billing specialist, health information manager or office supervisor.
6. Warehouse and logistics associate
Logistics and supply chain companies rely on employees who can track shipments using digital inventory systems, manage product stock levels in Excel and communicate efficiently through email and online platforms. With Memphis’ booming logistics sector, these skills will be in high demand. Over time, you could become a logistics coordinator, supply chain manager or operations supervisor.
How TechUp prepares you
TechUp’s Office Pro course teaches you how to navigate Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. These programs are essential for nearly any office job, from data entry to management.
The Digital Literacy course helps you understand technology, from online research to digital safety. It’s perfect for those looking to feel confident using computers, smartphones and the internet in any job setting.
What’s next? Bigger opportunities ahead
These entry-level roles are just the beginning. Once you gain experience, you can move into higher-paying jobs like:
- Data analyst – Use Excel and databases to make sense of business trends.
- IT support specialist – Help companies fix and manage their technology.
- Marketing coordinator – Use digital tools to create and track ads and promotions.
- Project manager – Lead teams and organize business operations.
As Memphis continues its tech expansion, new opportunities in AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity will emerge. The arrival of major tech companies is set to fuel demand for workers with digital skills, making now the perfect time to invest in your future.
Memphis’ future is digital — and so is yours
With tech jobs booming, now is the perfect time to develop your skills. Whether you’re looking for your first job or a career change, TechUp can help. These free or low-cost courses provide the training you need to step confidently into a digital world.
Start your journey in tech today. Sign up for a class, schedule time with a consultant or just join the community by visiting BLit’s website and learn more about TechUp’s affordable courses.
Members of the editorial and news staff of USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.
