In 2014, the SVHEC, datacenter operators and Mid-Atlantic Broadband, a Southern Virginia non-profit promoting economic development, started discussions about developing a cre- dential-based, short-term IT training program for datacenter workers. Each partner commit- ted funds, equipment, and in-kind services which the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) matched with a grant. To properly launch the IT Academy, the SVHEC constructed a mini datacenter, a repair space with workbenches for hands-on training, a computer lab and classroom space. In June 2015, Governor Terry McAuliffe cut the ribbon on the IT Academy and by January 2016, the first IT Academy cohort completed their training. The widespread popularity of the IT Academy soon led to expansion of additional classroom space, a second repair center, offices for IT staff and a presentation area. Operating out of three historically renovated buildings, two former tobacco warehouses and one former textile manufacturing factory, the SVHEC now serves an unduplicated student headcount of almost 1,600. Microsoft has generously provided equipment, offered program advice and invested countless hours meeting and coaching students. In addition, the Microsoft Scholars Program makes it possible for students in under-represented groups to have access to the IT Academy program. Microsoft leaders have been clear that their interests are no longer solely to prepare datacenter workers, but also to train workers for all IT-related regional jobs, which are steadily growing. “We have learned and adjusted, and Microsoft has been with us every step of the way” said Kelly Shotwell, IT Academy Director. IT Academy Curriculum IT Academy partners agreed that CompTIA’s vendor neutral credentials were the best choice to prepare candidates for employment in Southern Virginia’s datacenters. IT Academy instructors developed curricula around each of the three initial CompTIA certifications offered: A+, Server+, and Network+. Originally, the three CompTIA certifications were “bundled” together in an ambitious 4-month program. It was soon agreed that success with the Network+ course required experience, and it became a standalone course. CompTIA Security+ was soon added. Thanks to a Microsoft grant, the IT Academy will add CompTIA IT Fundamentals+, Linux+, PenTest+, and Cloud+. Key to the curriculum development was creating hands-on labs to give students an opportunity to practice classroom concepts. Fifty percent of IT Academy class-time involves hands-on practice. Employability skills – soft skills – also were integrated into each course, providing students with resume writing, interviewing, communications, and team building skills. Students also participate in mini job fairs. The IT Academy Students The IT Academy has a considerably diverse student base. Much of this diversity can be credit- ed to the Microsoft Scholars Program which makes it possible for under-represented groups to have access to IT Academy courses. Students come from all walks of life. Career changers and learners with advanced college degrees, sit side-by-side with recent high school gradu- ates. And it is not unusual to have parents and children taking courses together. In addition, IT professionals seeking professional development and certifications to advance their IT ca- reers are turning to the IT Academy. Kelly Shotwell reports students have ranged in age from 18-60. “We have observed each cohort build strong camaraderie. The students make friends and support one another as they work towards the common goal of becoming certified.” In 2017, the IT Academy entered into articulation agreements with the SVHEC’s two community college partners, making it easier for IT Academy students to continue their studies at either of the two colleges. Under the agreement, IT Academy students who successfully earn CompTIA A+, Server+, Network+ or Security+ certifications receive credit that applies directly to community college IT programs. In addition, the IT Academy has
“CompTIA is an important partner for the Microsoft Datacenter Academyprogram, which develops IT skills for the community workforce in locations where Microsoft operates datacenters. Skills learned through the CompTIA curriculum prepare workers for jobs in the digital economy, including working in a Microsoft datacenter.” – Utaukwa Allen , Senior Director, Microsoft Datacenter Community Development
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