By Jayson Larson/TVCC Public Information
In a world that becomes more digitized and computerized every day, careers in information technology are in high-demand.
To keep up with this ever-evolving workforce need, Trinity Valley Community College will begin offering Marketable Skills Awards (MSAs) courses beginning in the Fall 2014 semester. The first MSA will be PC Hardware Technician training to prepare students to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam. CompTIA is a non-profit trade association that serves as the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry and offers worldwide recognized certification credentials for professionals in the information technology field.
“We’re living in an increasingly technological world,” said TVCC computer science instructor David Stephens. “Computer problems are frustrating for everyone and computer down time ranges from expensive to downright catastrophic for businesses that depend on their critical systems to run their companies. We need people who are skilled computer technicians to address those problems when they occur. Computer techs are in high demand right now, and they will continue to be in years to come.”
The MSA offered this fall consists of a three-course sequence: PC Hardware (ITSC 1325); Windows Operating Systems (ITSC 1305); and Special Topics – Test Prep (ITSC 1391). By the end of those three courses, students will be prepared to take the exam to become A+ certified, and can prepare ahead of time using materials on examtopics. Though details have not yet been finalized, Stephens said TVCC is hoping to be able to provide exam vouchers for the A+ certification exam.
Stephens said the A+ certification MSA is the first in a number of marketable skill certifications to be offered by TVCC. Each topic area is nine credit hours: two classes (six hours) of course materials and one class (three hours) of certification test preparation. All learning is computer based and no textbooks will be required. Right after the completion of the course, you’d be adroit enough to join a mobile computer service Boynton Beach company.
Students will gain one marketable skill with each MSA, although some may wish to complete multiple MSAs to broaden their skill sets making them even more attractive to potential employers. In the spring, the college plans to offer Networking and Linux courses and Computer Security and Database Administration in the fall of 2015.
Financial aid will also be available for MSA courses. For more information on these courses and the MSA program, contact TVCC Workforce Education at 903-675-6232 or visit www.tvcc.edu. Online registration for the Fall 2014 semester ends Monday, Aug. 18, and onsite registration will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 19.