Federal Grant Funds Automation Alley IT Training

Troy-based Automation Alley said Tuesday that it will now provide IT training and industry certifications to eligible youth and dislocated workers, as well as career readiness training, job placement assistance and internship opportunities.

This program is made possible by a grant funded by the U.S. Department of Labor - Employment and Training Administration and is an equal opportunity program.

In partnership with Oakland Schools, Automation Alley's "Information Technology Career Pathways Project" offers students and workers recognized certifications in:

* 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.
* Cisco Certified Network Administrator/CCNA.

"By offering training in recognized areas of IT, we're enabling Southeast Michigan's current and future work force the opportunity to excel," said Ken Rogers, Automation Alley executive director. "In today's technology-based economy, it's imperative that workers diversify and learn industry recognized certifications to advance our region's economy."

Those who qualify include eligible youth and dislocated workers. Eligible youth must be between 18-24 years of age with limited personal income; the ideal candidate will have basic computer skills and have scored a level 2 on the Michigan Merit Exam. Dislocated workers must be laid off; the ideal candidate is an adult who may have been previously employed in the information technology field but has not obtained certifications or is seeking to make a career transition into the field. 

All training is taking place at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southeast in Royal Oak. Classes meet weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. For additional information, visit www.automationalley.com or call (248) 457-3234.

Since its founding in 1999, Automation Alley has expanded to include more than 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, work force development and technology acceleration.

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