Autumn 2003 Activity : CAREERskills Courses Designed to Launch Computer Careers

Career opportunities in computer-related fields are growing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics at the U.S. Department of Labor. Eight of the ten fastest-growing jobs have something to do with computers, says the bureau, and the demand for computer specialists will continue to increase through 2010. The positions are all well paid, with median annual salaries starting over $40,000. That’s great news in this era of 6 percent unemployment and generally stagnant job growth.

So, where is a student to start?

Photo of a man sitting in front of computer Industry professionals generally recommend CompTIA A+ certification as the best way to launch a successful career in IT, because it represents a solid understanding of the fundamentals of computer hardware and operating systems.

Recognizing the need for high quality curriculum to help students prepare for CompTIA A+ certification, ACT has recently launched a new program called CAREERskills A+.

CAREERskills A+ is a comprehensive curriculum that ACT offers to high schools and postsecondary institutions. Developed by Michael Meyers, the leading authority on CompTIA A+ education, CAREERskills A+ is designed to be taught in an instructor-led, hands-on environment.

Components include instructor support materials, textbooks, lab manuals, video lectures, practice certification exam software, and access to online mentors. Personal computer kits also are available for schools that wish to set up hands-on labs.

“Ideally a school would want to use all of the components as an integrated system,” said ACT Consultant David Chadima. “But if that’s not feasible, individual components can be purchased to supplement a school’s existing program. The key is to provide schools with top quality curriculum and ensure it is presented to the students in an effective manner.”

CAREERskills A+, introduced in April, prepares students for an entry-level computer support position. Fully compliant with the Fall ’03 update to the CompTIA A+ exams, it covers everything from CPUs to Windows XP, including wireless technologies. Once students complete the course and pass their CompTIA A+ certification exams, their options are wide open. Some students choose to enter the workforce directly as entry-level technicians, others pursue advanced certifications such as those offered by Cisco or Novell, still others enroll in associate or bachelor degree programs in a wide variety of technical fields.

Some schools may want to offer college credit for the class. “Most evaluations put this course at the equivalent of three or four college credit hours,” said Chadima.

A companion course, CAREERskills Network+, is slated for a late 2003 release and will cover the fundamentals of networking.

For more information on CAREERskills, call 800/294-7027 or email careerskills@act.org.