 Tech Talk ….
By Shaylyn Weder, Instructor
CCNA, CCAI, CompTIA A+
Students prepare to be computer support professionals within the Computer Repair and Networking program offered at Northwest Technology Center. The training to be a technician includes installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventative maintenance and basic networking skills.
Technology and the role of the IT worker are always changing. The Computer Repair and Networking program is a Cisco Academy with online curriculum that is accessible 24/7. The online curriculum allows for changes to be made to remain relevant to the current needs of the IT technician role.
Preparation as a computer support professional includes hands-on projects built into the curriculum but also real-life projects throughout the year. Students completed cable installation within the incubator offices at Northwest Technology Center and utilized over 7,000 feet of Cat 5e at Plane Plastics. Classes maintain the computer lab at Homestead and assist students with basic computer repair and maintenance.
Students have participated in job shadowing with area business such as Sights & Sounds, Central National Bank, and Alva Public Schools.
Technician roles include PC Technician, PC Technician Computer Repair Specialist, Network Technician, Network Associate, and Network Administrator.
Industry certifications are not mandatory but highly encouraged. Certifications for computer support technicians include CompTIA A+, Network+, and Server+. CompTIA Network+ is one of the top ten most popular certifications among IT professionals, and 89 percent of certified technicians say the main benefit of IT credentials is to supply qualifications for either current or future positions. Network Associate certification is through Cisco Certified Network Associate testing. Industry certification validates that individuals are well-rounded and have acquired the basic skills necessary for entry-level positions.
Computer Repair and Networking students participate in Business Professionals of America student competitions each year. To date each student that has participated has received medals for top 10 and/or trophies for top four placement in nearly every category tested. One student has placed first in one test area for three consecutive years which allows them to compete at the National BPA competition. Student Curtis Greb won National competition placing first in Cisco Systems Administration and fourth in Computer Network Technology in Orlando, Florida last spring. He is currently enrolled in OSU/Okmulgee working towards a degree in security.
Program Description
The Computer Repair and Networking
program is a Cisco Systems Academy
that prepared students for several
IT industry careers by providing
an in-depth exposure to computer
hardware and operating systems. Students
learn the functionality of hardware
and software components as well as
suggested best practices in maintenance,
and safety issues. Through hands
on activities and labs, students
learn how to assemble and configure
a computer, install operating systems
and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software
problems. This course helps students prepare for
CompTIA's A+ certification.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate
program is recommended training for
individuals seeking an understanding
and knowledge of networking fundamentals
including the Open Systems Interconnect
(OSI) seven-layer model concepts;
terminology and technologies. The
course also provides learners with
the basic skills and knowledge to
configure a Cisco IOS router for
network connectivity. Additionally,
the CCNA Academy Program focuses
on using Cisco Catalyst switches
and Cisco routers connected in local-area
networks (LANs) and wide-area networks
(WANs) typically found at small to
medium network sites. Upon completion
of this training course, students
will be able to select, connect,
configure, and troubleshoot the various
Cisco networking devices. This course
helps students prepare for certification
as a Cisco Certified Network Associate
(CCNA) and CompTIA's Network+ certification.
Length of Program
The Computer Repair and Networking program is a 1050 hours program. Students may attend half days for two years or all day for one year.
Eligible Students
This program is open to secondary as well as post-secondary students.
College Credit
College credit is available through Northern Oklahoma College.
Certifications
Students receive training for nationally recognized certifications from CompTIA, Cisco, and Brainbench. Brainbench certification test are available at Northwest Technology Center.
The following certification test are not administered by NWTC, but are available at various locations in Oklahoma. Cost of the certification exams vary:
Career Opportunities
The following career opportunities are possible after completing the program:
- PC Support Specialist
- Network Technician
- Network Associate
Median annual earnings of computer support specialists were $36,460 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $27,680 and $48,440. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,260, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,480.
Median annual earnings of network and computer systems administrators were $51,280 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $40,450 and $65,140. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,450, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $81,150.
According to Robert Half International, starting salaries in 2001 ranged from $30,500 to $56,000 for help-desk support staff, and from $48,000 to $61,000 for more senior technical support specialists. For systems administrators, starting salaries in 2001 ranged from $50,250 to $70,750.
Ref: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Helpful Attributes
The following skills are not necessary but would allow the student to progress more quickly to achieve success:
- Good people skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills
- Patience
- Ability to work long hours
Student Organizations
The students are encouraged to participate in Business Professionals of America.
Contact Information
For more information about the Computer Repair and Networking program at the Alva campus, contact Mrs. Shaylyn Weder at 580.327.0344.
CLICK HERE to download a program brochure in pdf format. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the brochure.
Visit the Instructor's Website!
Student Receives Industry Certification
 Tim Bradley, a Northwest Technology Center student enrolled in Computer Repair and Networking, has completed exams to become A+ Certified. CompTIA A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. The certification is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.
Bradley entered the Computer Repair and Networking program while attending Alva High School as a Junior. Tim has continued to complete the computer repair program as a post-secondary student and is currently studying the Cisco Wireless Fundamentals curriculum.
Student Finalist at State Competition
 Ted Rock was a finalist in the Computer Network Technology Concepts event at the Oklahoma Business Professionals of America contest held March 13, 2007. Ted received a medal and trophy for his accomplishments. Contestants must complete an online examination in February and then complete a hands-on examination held at the Spring Leadership Conference of the Business Professionals of America (BPA). Rock is enrolled in the Computer Repair and Networking program at Northwest Technology Center in Alva.
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