IT SPECIALIST | Available for On-Campus Training

Overview of Program

Our IT Specialist program is tailored towards blind and visually impaired individuals seeking a career in information technology. Students are given the tools and resources to guide them on their path to certification of their choosing from CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)while working alongside the organization’s IT department to gain real world, hands-on, practical experience.

Whether your focus is networking, server administration, data security, or something else, the hands-on approach to learning and the real-world experience is a learning environment like no other and is the only program nationwide of its kind.

The IT Specialist program is customizable depending on interests and has three tracks – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. We recommend starting with the beginner certification, A+ certifications and moving onto Network+ and Security+.

The IT Specialist program is open enrollment, where students are met where they are upon entry into the program. On average, students achieve one certification every three to six months. This depends on the student’s aptitude and familiarity with the concepts before coming into the class and the certifications they choose to pursue.

Jobs Available to Graduates:

a.     CompTIA A+

• ·       Technical Support Technician

• ·       Computer Operator

• ·       IT Support Assistant

• ·       Onsite Support Technician

• ·       Helpdesk Technician

b.     Network+

• ·       Network Support Specialist I

• ·       IT Support Associate I

• ·       IT Support Engineer

• ·       Service Desk Engineer

• ·       Jr. Network Administrator

c.     Security+

• ·       Network Security Analyst

• ·       Helpdesk Analyst

• ·       Computer Technician

• ·       IT Security Consultant

• ·       Information Security Support Analyst

Certifications

Beginning Track: CompTIA A+ Certification

A+ (A Plus) is an entry-level computer certification for PC computer service technicians. The certification requires 2 exams:

•The CompTIA A+ 901 exam covers PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues.

• The CompTIA A+ 902 exam covers installing and configuring operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. It also addresses security, cloud computing fundamentals, operational procedures and communication skills 

The CompTIA A+ certification is designed to certify the competency of entry-level PC computer service professionals in installing, maintaining, customizing, and operating personal computers

Intermediate: CompTIA Network+ and Security+

The CompTIA Network+ certification is an IT certification exam that verifies you have the essential knowledge and skills in networking to develop a career in IT infrastructure.

Unlike other vendor-specific networking certifications, CompTIA Network+ prepares you to support the network regardless of the platform. It forms the foundation you need before specializing in a vendor solution. CompTIA Network+ is the only industry certification that covers both wired and wireless networks.

CompTIA Security+ is a global certification that validates the baseline skills you need to perform core security functions and pursue an IT security career. ... It establishes the core knowledge required of any cybersecurity role and provides a springboard to intermediate-level cybersecurity jobs.

PREREQUISITES

• High school diploma

• Typing speed of 45 wpm or better

• Strong reading comprehension

• 12th grade proficiency in business math & algebraic problem solving

• Basic to intermediate computer literacy (Navigating Windows, basic concepts and terms, familiarity with common programs and apps, etc.)

• Intermediate to advanced skill with your preferred assistive technology product (JAWS, ZoomText, NVDA, etc.)

• Good written and verbal communication skills

• Good hygiene & personal presentation

• Strong time management & punctuality

Workforce Development Services

Workforce Development Services are offered at WSB to provide individuals with visual impairments with the tools needed to enhance and sustain their employability. Through our prevocational and vocational training programs, we provide the education and skills training to jobseekers that employers are looking to hire long term. By producing qualified workers, it helps the individual become more marketable and benefits the employer by reducing their cost of on-the-job training and improving turnover rates for their company. WSB’s focus is to provide services of employment assistance for jobseekers with visual impairments which will assist them in getting competitive integrated employment. Through job preparation and job coaching, certain tools and resources will be provided for the client to be successful in their job search, such as assistance in locating local job fairs, employment workshops, and/or participation in online or virtual job fairs.

In the first 30 days, an extensive assessment is completed in order for WSB to meet the client’s needs where they are. An extensive Interpretive Career Report will be provided to the client and their Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor on the assessment of their career interests, career training potentials, job satisfaction indicators, career exploration and career recommendations completed with the assistance of our qualified workforce staff and a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. Each client’s program will be individualized based on their needs and level of employability. During the skills evaluation period, students will work on a career readiness program tailored to their personal needs in areas such as, their academic skills in areas they may need improvement, assistive technology and computer literacy, daily living skills, and orientation and mobility skills training. Each individual will learn how to complete a resume or update their current resume, interviewing skills, “dress for success” skills, participate in mock interviews, learn soft skills, independent living skills and essential workplace skills. This will assist in the client’s preparation and future choices of a Pre-Vocational or Vocational program, or their area of interest for employment.