Description

This program provides students with the necessary skill and knowledge to plan, install, and provide routine control over and manage exceptional situations in relation to quality communications network services in an information system. It provides in-depth knowledge of evaluating communications hardware, software, and transmission service alternatives against changing business requirements, maintaining links with network suppliers, monitoring network performance, providing support for systems, localizing and rectifying faults in networks and handling non-routine user/customer problems, and providing expertise and practical assistance in delivering service that complies with statutory and other standards, as well as strategic and tactical plans.

Program Notes

Tuition fees include student manuals and all other course materials. Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Graduation requirements:
Students must achieve a 75% average to obtain a diploma.

Program Prerequisites

Candidates must be able to keyboard at a minimum speed of 25 words per minute (WPM) and have a fundamental understanding of basic computer concepts and the Internet.

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent or Mature Student Status.

Courses are open to any applicant who possesses a good command of the English language and is able to follow instruction.

An admissions interview will be administered to determine if the applicant has the required interest, motivation, and entry-level skills to take this program.

Full-time students must attend the required hours per week as per the course schedule and may do so at times convenient to them.

Career Opportunities

Recent studies indicate that strong growth in IT jobs, especially for skilled Computer and Network Operators, are expected over the next few years. Careers that correspond with the skills learned in this program include:

• Hardware Installation Coordinator
• Network Administrator
• Network Support Technician
• Network Operator
• Local Area Network (LAN) Administrator
• Local Area Network (LAN) Technician

Duties and Responsibilities

Network Administrators provide day-to-day onsite administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government, and corporations. Their duties may include:

• Maintaining, troubleshooting, and administering the use of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), hardware, software and related computer equipment.
• Monitoring and implementing network activities.
• Designing and configuring networks, recommending purchases of application servers, peripherals, and software.
• Evaluating and installing computer hardware, networking software, and operating system software.
• Providing problem-solving services to network users.
• Performing data backups and disaster recovery operations.

Method of Delivery

Combination of:

• Integrated Learning™ System training facilitated by Academy of Learning College facilitators.
• Online training supported by Academy of Learning College facilitators or online instructors.

Required Skills and Personal Attributes

• Technical/functional skills and aptitude
• Software and hardware troubleshooting skills
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to be innovative and creative
• Business and management skills
• Time management skills
• Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently
• Embraces change and new technology
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Willingness to embrace change and new technology
• Self-motivated
• Good customer service skills
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively despite possible time constraints
• Experience in the IT industry

Competencies upon Completion CORE COURSES

• Operating Systems
  Advanced level of proficiency in a Windows operating system
• Word Processing
  Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Word
• Spreadsheets
  Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Database Management
  Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Access
• Office Skills
  Microsoft Outlook Level 1 and Basic Bookkeeping Level 1
• Business Skills
  Project Management Fundamentals Level 1, Business Correspondence Level 1, and Customer Service
• Microsoft Certification
  Microsoft Windows 7 Configuring, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Configuring Active Directory, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Configuring Network Infrastructure, and Microsoft Windows Server 2008
• PC Troubleshooting
  CompTIA A+ Certification: 220-801 and CompTIA A + Certification: 220-802
• Computer Networking
  CompTIA Network +, CompTIA Server +, and CompTIA Security +
• Job Readiness/Employability Skills
  Job Search and Résumé Writing and Employment Strategies for Success