Preparing Individuals for Information Career Technologies & MCDST/Network+ Certification
For Low-Income Individuals With Barriers to Employment.

OUTCOMES

• Certification: MCDST (Microsoft) and Network + (CompTIA.)
• Preparation for self-paced learning: teach participants to obtain additional technical certifications at their own pace without personal instruction.
• Job readiness:
• MCDST (Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician): support technician, help desk technician, customer support representative, computer support specialist, technical support representative, technical support specialist.
• Network+: Network support technician, network administration, network installation, documentation and maintenance.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• 12 hours/week for 11 weeks.
• Cohort/closed enrollment models.
• Advanced courses developing specialized ICT skills in desktop support and network support.
• Installation, documentation, rebuilding, maintenance and troubleshooting for computer hardware and operating, and networks.
• Preparation and practice for certification tests taken at end of programs.
• MCDST (Microsoft 70-272.)
• MCP (Microsoft 70-271.)
• Network + (CompTIA.)
• Fee based tuition; scholarships provided to low income individuals.
• Job placement assistance.

PROGRAM ALTERNATIVES

• Contract with experienced training providers to conduct training program.
• “Home” organization may conduct outreach, assessment, enrollment and career placement, with consult for training services.
• Spanish-speaking (or other language) instructor explains English curriculum and concepts in the second language, or teaches entirely in the second language.
• Higher literacy level (10th grade) may be required of clients.

CLIENT PREREQUISITES

• Computer repair technician (A+ Certification); comparable experience with computer troubleshooting and repair may be accepted.
• Basic computer literacy (IC3 training) may be required.
• Education/literacy: 8th grad.e
• Dexterity.
• Basic technical competency (ability to handle tools, small parts; ability to use mouse and keyboard).
• Commitment to job placement after training<./li>

CHALLENGES

For clients

• 11 week commitment.
• Classroom based learning environment.
• Education/literacy: 8th – 10th grade reading level.
• Self-directed troubleshooting for assignments and testing.
• Complex testing requirements.
• Training time unpaid.

For the organization

• Facility and technical equipment.
• Training location that accommodates one computer per student.
• Additional technical hardware infrastructure required for lab exercise.
• Technical hardware infrastructure required for lab exercises.
• Technically skilled instructors.
• Support necessary to complete enrollment and testing.
• After-hours support for evening classes.
• Job placement support and job market that can accommodate mid-level level technical positions.

ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS

• Minimum class: 12 hours/week for 11 weeks (4 days/week, 3 hours/day.)
• Infrastructure (for class of 20): 1 classroom, 20 student computers, 1 instructor computer, server/network environment, technical hardware infrastructure for lab exercises, lab environment.
• Staff: 1 Program Manager (0.25 FTE), 1 Recruiter (0.5 FTE), 1 Career Advisor (0.5 FTE), 1 Director of Training (0.10 FTE); instructor (1.0 FTE.)
• Marketing: outreach at Career Centers, CBOs, One-Stop Career Centers and other social service agencies; emails, flyers, advertising and word of mouth.

Collaborations

Corporations

• Foundations.
• Government local.
• State
• Community college.
• Other nonprofits.
• Individual.
• Local business.

Sources of Funding

Contributed

• Corporations.
• Foundations.
• Government .
  • Local (city/county.)
  • Stats.
• Individuals.

Earned Income

• Fees
• Other earned income.