FAQs - Skills Lab

What is the Skills Lab program?

The Skills Lab program is powered by Tulsa Community College (TCC) and the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, in partnership with Riipen. The program connects participants in Data Analytics, IT Support, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence with real-world, employer-led projects that build experience, confidence, and career connections.

Who is eligible to participate?

Open to adult learners in Tulsa, Oklahoma who have:

What are the program dates?

There are two cohorts happening in the Fall. Please see the dates below:

How long are the projects?

Each project is 50 hours, with expected completion in 4-8 weeks.

Do participants receive any compensation?

Yes, participants will receive a $1000 stipend for their completed project, paid directly by Riipen.

How are participant teams formed?

Teams of 3-5 participants will be assigned to projects by a Skills Lab administrator, based on their expertise.

Can participants choose their projects?

What kind of support is available to participants?

Riipen provides additional support through onboarding sessions before starting projects. Throughout the program, employers will provide 5 hours of mentorship, and participants can reach out for assistance via the platform

What is the Skills Lab program?

The Skills Lab program is powered by Tulsa Community College (TCC) and the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, in partnership with Riipen. The program connects participants in Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence with real-world, employer-led projects that build experience, confidence, and career connections.
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Who can participate as an employer?

Employers based in the US who are committed to hiring remote talent and allowing them to work from Tulsa, Oklahoma. looking to access top talent in Cyber, Data, AI and IT Support sectors

What is the process for signing up as an employer?

What kind of projects can be posted?

Projects must be related to the tech sector in Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and IT Support. Check out our website for more information.

What is the duration of the projects?

Each project must offer 50 hours of work over a 4-8 week period.

How many projects can I submit and how many participants can I take on?

There’s no limit to how many projects an employer can submit to the Skills Lab program. The participants will be assigned in teams of 3-5, directly to the project through the program. That being said, we ask that you be mindful of the amount of projects you submit to the program, to ensure you can dedicate appropriate time to each participant.

What if my project requires more than 50 hours of work?

Projects are assigned teams of 3-5 participants, which means your project should be able to be completed over 250 hours in total. If you think you will need more than this we recommend splitting the work and posting multiple projects to work with more than one Skills Lab team.

Can I bring my own participants?

Employers cannot bring their own participants to the program, as all participants need to come from Skills Lab before entering the Riipen platform.
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​How many participants will I be matched with?
You will be matched with 3-5 participants per matched project.

What support is available for employers?

Riipen provides onboarding support for employers, and you will receive help throughout the project duration to ensure a smooth process.

Am I required to pay participants?

No, Skills Lab is a fully subsidized program. On successfully completing an employer project, each participant is paid a $1000 stipend by Riipen.
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