UWF - IT Academy

Funding Available
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded a $3.9 million grant to the University of West Florida and Chipola College to provide education, training and job placement assistance to meet the demand for high-skill workers in Northwest Florida. UWF is one of only six universities in the United States that received H-1B awards in April 2012. The federal grant funds originate from fees paid by employers to bring foreign workers into the United States under the H-1B program. The project, Florida Hire Ed, allows UWF and Chipola College to enhance or increase the employment prospects for
(1) Unemployed or dislocated workers
(2) Veterans
(3) Women and minorities
(4) Low-income or under-employed individuals.

Employment Prospects for IT Professionals
Nationwide, employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2006 to 2016. Demand for these pros will result as organizations and individuals continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technology. Job growth will continue to be driven by the ongoing expansion of the computer system design and cyber security, which is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy.

IT Academy Serves Career Changers and IT Professionals through a grant program known as Florida Hire Ed

Are you unemployed and seeking new skills? Are you underemployed and want to earn more? Are you a veteran and looking for a new career? Then you may qualify for a grant-funded, computer-training program. UWF will offer computer network certifications and cyber security training to qualified participants at no cost. The 4-month program includes course materials, face-to-face instruction, and 2 exam vouchers. To learn more about training at the University of West Florida IT Academy, apply online or call 850-474-3083. A limited number of seats are available in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach. Applications are evaluated on a first-come, first-serve basis and classes begin in September. Again, apply online or call UWF at 850-474-3083. We will help you gain the credentials you need to succeed in computer networking and cyber security.

About the program (Level I):

A+, Security+, and Windows 7 will prepare participants for a job in a growing profession. The A+ training module focuses on the functionality of input/output (I/O) devices, hardware devices and system software. This program also provides thorough instruction on the latest security threats and risk prevention methods with an in-depth Security + module. Additionally, participants will learn how to install, configure, and maintain Windows 7. Modules cover access to system resources, mobile computing, handling backup and recovery, and more. The course aligns with specific certification modules: Comp TIA A+ (220-701), Security + (SYO-301), and Microsoft Windows 7 (70-680).

About the program (Level II):

UWF Microsoft Systems Administration Certification Training: including Windows 7, Server 2008, Ethical Hacking and Network+: This certification series will give an individual a strong foundation in PC/network security and network management. Participants will work towards several levels of certification and earn 12 college credits that may be applied toward a degree program. Classes are designed for those who have some skill installing software applications and configuring devices on a network but who want to gain credentials and experience in security and network management. The Microsoft Network Administration and Security certification is for professionals who implement, manage, and troubleshoot existing network and system environments based on the Microsoft Windows Server Operating System (2008). Microsoft applications are among the most widely used applications in organizations today. The job roles for certified professionals typically include: systems administrator, network administrator, information systems administrator, network operations analyst, network technician, or technical support specialist. The Ethical Hacking module covers IT industry-wide security topics, including communication security, infrastructure security, cryptography, access control, authentication, external attack, and operational and organization security. Certification exams covered in this class include Windows 7 (70-680), Server 2008 (70-640), Ethical Hacking and Comp TIA Network+.

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In an effort to meet the growing demand for quality professionals in the information technology (IT) industry, the University of West Florida’s IT Academy will provide several classes and certification opportunities for residents of Northwest Florida, including several instructor-led programs.

Well-trained employees add credibility and confidence to any organization concerned with securing data. Information technology jobs are among the top high-growth occupations in Northwest Florida. Figures provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state that a Network Systems and Data Communication Analyst is entering a field with a growth rate of 6.2 percent. In today's network-reliant businesses, IT professionals need to remain on the forefront of the latest technology. Many employers require employees to hold job-relevant IT certifications.

Certification is an important part of any career in Information Technology: Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570.1 aims to eliminate security threats through training and certification. Under Directive 8750.1, all DoD employees with privileged access to critical information and information systems must be trained and certified according to the DoD's security baseline requirement. Key components include the CompTIA A+ and Security+ certification.

For more information, please contact an advisor: 850-474-3083.

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Online training and certification programs:

Help Desk Analyst: Tier 1 Support Specialist Online, asynchronous 120-hour course
Lean Mastery Online, asynchronous 60-hour course
Microsoft (MCTS): SQL Server 2008 Implementation and Maintenance Online, asynchronous 110-hour course
Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Enterprise Desktop Support Technician 7 (MCITP) Online, asynchronous 200-hour course
Microsoft Certified IT Professional: Server Administrator (MCITP) Online, asynchronous 240-hour course
Microsoft Office Specialist 2007 Online, asynchronous 400-hour course
Pay Per Click Marketing Online, asynchronous 150-hour course
RFID Radio Frequency Identification on the Web Online, asynchronous 70-hour course
Search Engine Marketing Online, asynchronous 250-hour course
Search Engine Optimization Online, asynchronous 150-hour course
Six Sigma Green Belt Online, asynchronous 200-hour course
Web Applications Developer Online, asynchronous 267-hour course
Web Design Certificate Online, asynchronous 360-hour course
Webmaster Online, asynchronous 150-hour course

Please contact an advisor today: 850-474-3083.

The University of West Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action institution committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination toward employees, applicants, and students with respect to race, color, religion, age, disability, gender (including gender identity), marital status, national origin, veteran status, and sexual orientation. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to discuss any Equal Opportunity/Equal Access issues of concern with our HR equal opportunity personnel by calling (850) 474-2694 for an appointment. UWF promotes a non-discriminatory work and learning environment by following all applicable Federal and State Civil Rights rules and regulations. An electronic copy of EO Is The Law maybe found here: http://uwf.edu/ohr/ebb/Equal_Employment_Opportunity_English.pdf

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IT Academy Serves Career Changers and IT Professionals through a grant program known as Florida Hire Ed

About the program (Level I):

About the program (Level II):

Online training and certification programs: