SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – SUNY Schenectady is the lead campus offering a new Information Technology credential in the Capital Region and statewide. Working with the State University of New York (SUNY), Jobs for the Future (JFF), and Grow with Google, SUNY Schenectady will lead a collaborative and instructor-assisted approach to deliver a new program leading to a Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
Through the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program, in less than six months, with a course commitment of about five hours per week, a student can become ready for an entry-level job in IT support. These are jobs in demand with very desirable salaries. According to available data, there are more than 215,000 open IT support roles in the United States, more than 2,400 in New York State, and nearly 200 in the Capital Region. That figure will grow as more people use technology for at least some portion of their work. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field will grow by 10 percent through 2028.
Gartner TalentNeuron, a source for source of global talent demand and supply data, indicates that Computer User Support Specialists in the Capital Region can expect a median salary of $56,400.
The College has a goal to recruit 100 to 125 learners statewide and is committed to hosting at least one of the cohorts of 15 to 20 students –possibly more based on the level of demand – and collaborating across the state to reach additional learners.
“Once again, SUNY Schenectady is leading by example with the launch of this new Google IT Support Professional Certificate opportunity,” said Dr. Steady Moono, President of SUNY Schenectady. “It is important for the College to offer programs that anticipate and respond to industry demands both in the Capital Region and beyond.”
“SUNY is committed to helping its students prepare for high demand careers for the future,” said Johanna Duncan-Poitier, Senior Vice Chancellor of Community Colleges for SUNY. “Our new association with Google and Jobs for the Future (JFF) is another example of how our community colleges are responding to the needs of business and industry by preparing an educated workforce. We are pleased that SUNY Schenectady is leading the charge with this timely credential program.”
The Google IT Support Professional Certificate, as developed by SUNY Schenectady, will bring together Google’s designed course on the Coursera platform with live support from faculty experts. The College is expanding into other IT areas based on past success with a supportive and blended learning environment.
“We are excited to bring this new opportunity to our workforce development efforts and to share the same with other community colleges across the state,” said Sean Maguire, Vice President for Workforce Development and Community Education at the College. “With the growth in IT opportunities statewide, we are confident that braiding the power of Google together with the power of SUNY will be a clear formula for success and lead to well-paying careers.”
“SUNY Schenectady is constantly working with the business community to identify existing skill gaps locally and beyond,” said Anthony Jasenski, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This new certificate program is the latest example of how the College works with industry leaders to host and develop programs to fill those gaps while giving students the best opportunity to succeed.”
Across the Capital Region, there is demand for employees who have both the knowledge and skill to support our expanding IT sectors. Having access to the Google IT Support Professional Certificate program led by SUNY Schenectady will be a tremendous asset to employers as well as individuals who are actively looking to take advantage of a new career in IT. This program is just another example how the region is working to ensure we are well positioned to attract companies and talent,” said Andrew Kennedy, president and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth.
“This initiative reflects JFF and Google’s belief in the transformative—and often untapped—potential of community colleges across the nation,” said Maria Flynn, President and CEO of JFF. “It’s about building powerful connections between educators and employers—and leveraging technology in targeted ways—to build a stronger workforce.”
This new IT Support Professional Certificate allows SUNY Schenectady to expand its workforce development efforts and cast a bigger net in IT careers. For the past few years, the Office of Workforce Development and Community Education has offered non-credit courses supporting careers in software development including Front End Web Development, Back End Web Development, JavaScript Programming, Ruby on Rails, and SQL/ETL – but nothing specific in the area of IT Support. As lead institution, SUNY Schenectady will be engaged in four core activities to support this initiative: participant recruitment, instruction, participant support, and administration/storytelling. It expects to launch its first cohort in Spring 2020.
About SUNY Schenectady
Founded in 1969, SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SUNY Schenectady) is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York system, the largest comprehensive university system in the United States. SUNY Schenectady is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Through transferable degree and certificate programs, affordable tuition, strong student support services and a personalized approach to learning, SUNY Schenectady provides students with a regionally-acclaimed education that empowers them to take the next step in their lives. SUNY Schenectady offers degree and certificate programs through the:
- School of Hotel, Culinary Arts, and Tourism
- School of Music
- Division of Business, Criminal Justice, and Law
- Division of Liberal Arts
- Division of Math, Science, Technology, and Health
SUNY Schenectady also offers an array of Workforce Development and Community Education services and non-credit courses. Learn more by visiting: www.sunysccc.edu.
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