A Fortune 500 company has opened its latest regional center in Mesa. It means new technology and business service jobs and a free training program for certain job seekers.

New Jersey-based Cognizant provides technology, consulting and business process services to companies worldwide.

“Our plan is to create more than 500 full-time highly skilled technology and business jobs at our new facility with a capital investment of about $4.5 million,” said DK Sinha, executive vice president and president of global client services.

Cognizant did not reveal salaries, but the company may be eligible for state tax credits up to $9,000 per job through the Quality Jobs Tax Credit Program.

The Arizona Commerce Authority said Cognizant received tax credits for employees in Phoenix worth $177,000 in 2015 and $144,000 in 2016.

During Thursday’s press conference announcing the center’s opening at Wayfair within Mesa Riverview, Sinha described the specialized course being offered through the Maricopa County Community College District.

“This training…focused on application support and infrastructure will be provided at no cost to selected participants,” he said.

Graduates are guaranteed an interview with Cognizant. More information on the program can be found here.

KJZZ is licensed to the Maricopa County Community College District.