Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is launching a new PC and Networking Academy that offers affordable training for advanced technology certification programs with knowledgeable, industry-certified instructors that bring real world, hands-on experience into the classroom.
The PC and Networking Academy will train students to design, build and maintain local and wide-area networks, and to provide PC software and hardware support. Students will be prepared for networking, PC support and information technology (IT) related jobs in the public and private sectors, and for higher education in information technology, telecommunications, engineering, computer science and other related fields.
“Certifications are extremely important in IT,” said John Brand, a networking instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus with more than 20 years of industry experience. “This is an employment sector where there are lots of jobs, and we are very pleased to be able to offer these stackable credentials. The certifications allow our students to get to work quickly, and to also build upon their training, earning more certifications and ultimately more money.”
The classes are hands-on and provide immediate exposure to the various technologies, allowing students to better and more quickly gauge interest in certain areas. Students are prepared for Cisco and CompTIA certification exams at the end of the courses.
“We believe that certifications and education are critical to our employees’ success, especially in the IT industry,” said Dan Ballister, Time Warner Cable director of communications. “Our education assistance program helps making continuing education possible for many of our employees. I’m thrilled that our employees are finding the training they need at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.”
The first level certification is CompTIA’s A+ certification and the next level is either Networking+ or Cisco’s CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry-level Network Technician). CCNA and CCNP certification preparation courses follow, and are held at the college’s Cabarrus Business and Technology Center in Concord.
Upcoming classes include:
• PC Repair/A+ Certification, Jan. 23–April 8, Monday/Wednesday (day or evening classes available)
• Networking + Certification, April 10–May 31, Monday/Wednesday/Thursday (day or evening classes available)
• Cisco Discovery I/CCENT Preparation, Jan. 28–April 10, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday/Wednesday
• Cisco Discovery II/CCNA Preparation, April 15–June 19, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Monday/Wednesday
• CCNP Switching, Jan. 28–June 5, 6-9 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday
“These certifications also have the power to open the door for interviews that a degree alone might not provide,” said Brand. “The majority of students who complete these courses are ready to take the certification tests. We also provide free resources to prepare for the exam.”
Students who successfully complete this program will be prepared for a variety of IT jobs including help-desk support positions, entry-level network support positions, PC and network repair positions, and wireless network support positions.
Prerequisites include prior computer experience or the Silver Level Career Readiness Certificate (CRC). Those interested in the Career Readiness Certificate can get started at the college’s Employability labs at Goodwill Career Connections or at the Cloverleaf Extension Center in Kannapolis.
The registration fee is $175 for each course, and the certification exam fees vary plus a $136 textbook. Through the training, students will also develop additional skills required for computer technicians and help desk technicians. The course provides basic training in routing and switching, cabling, remote access, IP addressing, wireless configuration, network security, troubleshooting and network services such as file sharing, e-mail services and related ISP services.
For more information about all Cisco and CompTIA certification classes, or to register, please contact Donna Ludwig at 704-216-3668 or donna.ludwig@rccc.edu. For additional information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, please visit www.rccc.edu.