Information Technology Cluster

Information Technologies Program Description - One- or Two-Year Program Information Technology (IT) careers involve the design, development, support and management of the hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services. In addition to career opportunities in the IT industry, IT careers are available in every sector of the economy, from Financial Services to Health Care Services, from Business and Education to Environmental Services. The Core Knowledge and Skills are industry-wide skills that are learned and applied through the career pathways. The career concentrations are organized into four IT Career pathways with emphasis on the cross-cutting skills found in related IT occupations. The four areas are: Network Tech, PC Tech, Programming Tech and Multimedia Tech. Network Tech Network analysis Planning and implementation, including design, installation, maintenance and management of network systems Wireless Networking PC Tech Implementing computer systems and software Providing technical assistance Managing information systems Build, install and upgrade personal computers Programming Tech Gather data and identify customer requirements Create applications by writing error-free code using debugging and testing methods Multimedia Tech Creating, designing, and producing interactive multimedia products and services Helpful Background Experience & Aptitude Beginning knowledge of IT Literacy (Career awareness and skills for learning) Beginning knowledge of IT Fluency (Career exploration and transition from IT skills for learning to IT skills for working) Strong aptitude in computer software and systems Entry-Level Career Opportunity: Network Tech Network Support Technician PC Support Technician Computer Operator Field Support Tech Network Administrator Entry-Level Career Opportunity: PC Tech Technical Writer Help Desk Technician PC Technician/Service Center Technician Customer Service Tech Entry-Level Career Opportunity: Programming Tech Software Analyst Software application support Programmer Entry-Level Career Opportunity: Multimedia Tech Web Designer Multimedia Specialist Digital Media Designer e-Learning Designer Benefits for College Bound The courses provide students with skills to use while financing a college education. Students may be eligible for advanced placement and/or articulation from Davenport University, Grand Rapids Community College, Northwood University and Baker College. Synopsis: Years One and Two Year One: PC Technician (9 weeks) - Install and upgrade stand-alone PC hardware and operating systems; troubleshoot and resolve PC problems. Year One: Multimedia Technician (9 weeks) - Gather data to identify customer requirements; produce interactive multimedia presentations used for training purposes. Year One: Network Technician (9 weeks) - Design and install a network; troubleshoot networking problems; install network wiring. Year One: Programming Technician (9 weeks) - Gather data and identify customer requirements; create applications by writing error-free code using debugging and testing methods. Year Two: Multimedia Technician (9 weeks) - Develop technical documentation; use graphic/multimedia software to prepare interactive training applications. Year Two: Network Technician (9 weeks) - Install a server-based network; implement security on a network; configure secure wireless networks. Year Two: PC Technician (9 weeks) - Secure desktop computer systems from potential intrusion risks; install and maintain alternative operating systems. Year Two: Jumpstart Your IT Career (9 weeks) - Ethics in the workplace and online; IT internships and job shadows; IT projects demonstrating proficiency.