(Submitted by: Darlene Cowman, retired CSS tech, Seattle Washington)
The IT giant is not dead, he is merely sleeping. Technology is still advancing even though the economy is down and unemployment is up. In times like these it is sometimes difficult to motivate ourselves to think ahead and prepare for the future. However, now is the best time to do just that. Now is the time to get started in a training program to upgrade your skills and be ready when the economy starts to move once again.
If you are interested in upgrading your technical skills and are a good candidate for online training, CWA/NETT Academy could be just the program you’re looking for. As a CWA member you are eligible to participate in any of the courses available through CWA/NETT Academy, which is a partnership of CWA, Cisco Systems and Stanly Community College. This partnership was formed to provide convenient, low cost on-line technical training for industry recognized certification courses. Because of the changes made recently in certification testing, some of the courses require hands-on experience, which is provided in the numerous labs that are located throughout the US. While you are going through the program you will have an instructor available who you can contact at any time with questions and who will guide you along through each course. For the lab work, you will be referred to one of several proctors who will work with you in person at whichever lab is most convenient for you and at a time that is convenient.
Some of the courses currently available are as follows:
IT Essentials 1 (A+): Learn to build computers from scratch, troubleshooting, and installation of operating systems.
Cisco Networking Academy (CCNA): Fundamentals of networking concepts, physical construction of networks, and programming network devises.
Fundamental of UNIX: Basic Sun Microsystems operating system installation and operation.
Voice and Data Cabling (BICSI 1 or ETA): Entry-level networking basics, including cable installation and termination for commercial and home networking.
These online courses provide comprehensive training and hands-on lab experience to help you qualify for the jobs you really want. Complete the required coursework, and you’re ready to schedule the A+ or CCNA certification exam. You can even earn college credits for completing the courses and apply them to an Associate or Bachelor degree program. To check out the program go to www.cwanett.org, click on Training, then Courses, and View Demo to sample the user-friendly online courses. You can also access the free assessment of your current knowledge and skill level by clicking on Take Assessment. For a complete schedule of tuition and fees, click on Tuition. These courses may be covered by your company’s tuition assistance plan so check with your plan guidelines. You are not obligated to enroll in the program after you log on and complete the assessment, so check it out. It won’t cost you anything but a few minutes of your time.
On a more personal note, there are two proctors available in the Seattle area, both of whom have worked in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years, are Cisco CCNA Certification holders and have years of field experience. John Hamilton, known to many of you as a past CWA local 7800 President, is currently a CSS technician and has 36 years with Qwest. I, Darlene Cowman, am a recently retired CSS technician and I had 32 years with Qwest. John and I have worked together for many years and make a pretty good tag team so we can usually make ourselves available for lab assistance at any time during a given week. Also if you have questions, feel free to contact us either by phone or email.
John Hamilton: home 425-743-5856 or email jwhamil_55@msn.com
Darlene Cowman: home 206-932-8359 or email dmcowman@aol.com
So don’t wait for the sleeping giant to awaken. Be ready and be trained.