IT Career Pathways Begins New Semester Of Online Courses
Automation Alley, the Troy-based technology trade promotion organization, and Oakland Schools Tuesday announced the commencement of a new semester of IT Career Pathways. The program provides eligible youth and dislocated workers with information technology training and industry recognized certifications, as well as career readiness training, job placement assistance and internship opportunities. The program is free to eligible applicants.
"There is an immediate need for skilled workers in the IT industry," said Karol Friedman, IT Career Pathways employment coordinator. "For young adults, this program is an incredible opportunity to receive free training that prepares them for a real career. We're teaching skills that are used in the IT and related industries every day. For dislocated workers, this is a chance to re-package existing skills and get up-to-date on the latest technologies. They have the potential to become ideal job candidates, with both experience and current knowledge."
"This program isn't just training for training's sake — it's training for real jobs, and it's working."
The summer semester will begin the week of June 27 at the Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southeast, located at 5055 Delemere Street in Royal Oak. Participants are required to be present in the classroom once a week, with the remainder of the training to be conducted online. Classes are from 1-5 p.m. Tuesday/Wednesday or Wednesday/Thursday of alternating weeks.
IT Career Pathways has successfully launched several careers in Michigan's growing IT industry since the program began in January. Participants have started jobs using their newly acquired IT skills with annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $80,000.
Participants can receive the following recognized certifications:
* Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³): provides trainees with the foundation of knowledge needed to succeed in environments that require the use of computers and the Internet.
* Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS): provides trainees a valid and reliable measure of technical proficiency and expertise by evaluating overall comprehension of Microsoft Office or Office Project programs.
* CompTIA A+: the industry standard for computer support technicians. This international certification proves competence in areas such as installation, preventative maintenance, networking, security and troubleshooting.
* CompTIA Network+: the industry standard for a competent networking professional. It is an international certification that proves a technician's competency in managing, maintaining, troubleshooting, installing and configuring basic network infrastructure.
Youth between 18-24 years old with limited personal income and dislocated workers who have been laid off are qualified to apply. Eligible applicants will undergo an assessment to ensure they are equipped to successfully complete the program and obtain IT employment in Michigan.
For more information or to download an application, visit www.automationalley.com or call (248) 457-3234.
This program has been made possible with funding from the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include nearly 1,000 businesses, educational institutions and government entities from the City of Detroit and the surrounding eight county region. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through entrepreneurial and exporting assistance, workforce development and technology acceleration.
For additional information, visit www.automationalley.com.
