Information Communication Technology

Due to the learn to code promotional campaign the last couple of years, the impression of computer science consists almost entirely of programming and coding, that’s what all of the media buzz has been telling you; many schools have participated in “Hour Of Code”™ and that’s wonderful. The problem with that is that it neglects the entire information communications infrastructure required for the digital age; the Information Communications Technologies(ICT)side of the computer world. Our business and personal communication has become increasingly complex, and the “Internet of Things” is growing exponentially; the need for skilled ICT professionals is clear.ICT is fun and exciting! We make stuff work! We need trained professionals!

There are two computer science career paths:

Computer Science Programming- Transfer Path to CSU, UC (student should be very strong academically)

Computer Science ICT- Straight to career certifications, AS, or Transfer path to CSU, UC (not as academically stringent)

What are Information Communications Technologies?

“ICT (information and communications technology - or technologies) is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning.” (Rouse, n.d.) From that definition, ICT is everything that makes the digital age possible.

Rouse, M. (n.d.). Definition- ICT. Retrieved from Techtarget :

What jobs are available?

User Support Technician- Information technology (IT) support technicians troubleshoot software and hardware problems for computer users, they provide assistance by answering questions, resolving technical problems and maintaining a company's network, software and computer equipment. They are also called desktop support technicians or computer support specialists. Most have an associate's degree in a computer-related field, but some talented individuals may be hired with a high school diploma and trained through on-the-job programs. Other IT support technicians hold professional certifications: CompTIA A+, Net+,and Security+, often are acceptable in lieu of a degree.

Systems Administrator- System Administrators are responsible for the crucial job of maintaining the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems; especially multi-user computers, such as servers. Server management features heavily in that role, helping to install, optimize and upgrading servers, insuring that the flow of information and data is backed up, and that the server systems data is secure and safe. It also includes virtualization of servers, managing user’s rights, permissions and organizational units, and management of software licensing for a company. Occasionally some basic database maintenance tasks, and scripting may be required, including developing scripts to automate some tasks. System administrators are expected to have a bachelor’s degree, or associate’s degree in a computer related field and least one, but preferably multiple, certifications for the job. Common certifications in demand are the Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) combined with CompTIA Security+ certification

Network Administrator- Anetwork administratormaintains computer infrastructures with emphasis on networking. Install, configure, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and Internet systems or a segment of a network system. They monitor the network to ensure network availability to all system users and may perform necessary maintenance to support network availability, design and implement new networks,network address assignments, management and implementation of protocols, configure routers, switches and network access. They also handle the maintenance of networks and network hardware, conducting maintenance on computers, printer, routers, switches, smartphones, etc. Network administrators are expected to have a bachelor’s degree, or an associate’s degree in a computer related field and least one, but preferably multiple, certifications for the job. Common certifications in demand are the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) combined with CompTIA Security+ certification

What does the Data say?

According to Information and Communication Technologies-Far North Oct 2015 report by Centers of Excellence “Over the next three years, Far North employers are projected to add over 450 ICT jobs and replace 122 positions. Computeruser support specialist is the largest position with about 1,000 jobs. Far North employers will need to hire 250 computeruser support specialists over the next three years to keep pace with industry growth and replacement needs.”This report only includes the Far north region it does not include Sacramento and beyond!

Five Year Projected Employment Growth, 2014 – 20151

1 EMSI: 2015.2 – QCEW Employees, Non-QCEW Employees, and Self-Employed

Occupation Market Demand -Three-Year Employment and Replacement Projections ICT Occupations2

2 COE ICT Workforce Survey, 2015. COE Extrapolations

Where are the jobs?

Locally:

  • Milestone Technologies -User support for employees of Google and Facebook.
  • Ray Morgan Company -User and systems/network administration support for small and large businesses
  • Build.com - User and systems/network administration, data and database management.
  • Stratti/Pacificom - User and systems/network administration support for small and large businesses
  • Precision Business Associates- User and systems/network administration support for small and large businesses
  • Digital Path ISP- Network communications, ISP infrastructure support.
  • PCI - Bench technicians, installers
  • Advanced Electric and Sound - Business network communications installation, Home systems installation.
  • Best Buy - Bench technicians, installers, sales.
  • Enloe, Oroville, and Feather River Hospitals.
  • Butte College, Butte County, All medium to large businesses.
  • Sierra Nevada - Systems/network administration

Secondary Industries in need of ITC professionals:

  • Agriculture - Many have extensive networks
  • Manufacturing - Automation, etc.

What career pathways does Butte College offer in ICT?

The first course anyone interested in computers should take is: CSCI 49 - It gives the student lifelong computer repair skills (who doesn’t need that?) and provides the foundation for IT. No prerequisite skills are required for students to enroll, have students try it out summer semester 2017!

Career and Technical Education - Certificates

Certificate in Computer Support Technician

  • CSCI 49 PCs and Peripherals/A+ 4 units
  • CSCI 48 Network Fundamentals and CISCO Level 1 4 units
  • CSCI 17 Computer and Network Security/Security+ (P) 3 units

Certificate in Microsoft Server Administration

  • CSCI 70 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 (P) 3
  • CSCI 71 Administering Windows Server 2012 (P) 3
  • CSCI 72 Configuring Advanced Windows 2012 Server Services (P) 3

Certificate in Cisco Network Administration

  • CSCI 48 Network Fundamentals and CISCO Level 1 4
  • CSCI 53 CISCO Networks Level 2, Routers (P) 3
  • CSCI 56 Cisco Networks--Switching & WANs (P) 3

*These are certificates of completion, the courses prepare the students to take the applicable globally recognized certification tests: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Net+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

Career Certificate - Computer Networking

  • Required Courses:
  • CSCI 4 Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies3 units
  • CSCI 17 Computer and Network Security/Security+ (P) 3 units
  • CSCI 25 Linux 1, Essentials 3 units
  • CSCI 26 Linux 2, System Administration (P) 3 units
  • CSCI 49 PCs and Peripherals/A+ 4 units
  • CSCI 48 Network Fundamentals and CISCO Level 1 4 units
  • CSCI 70 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012 (P) 3 units
  • CSCI 53 CISCO Networks Level 2, Routers (P) 3 units
  • CSCI 56 Cisco Networks--Switching & WANs (P) 3 units
  • BCIS 33 Skills for the Working Professional 1 units

Career Certificate - System Administration

  • Required Courses:
  • CSCI 4 Introduction to Programming Concepts and Methodologies 3 units
  • CSCI 17 Computer and Network Security/Security+ (P) 3 units
  • CSCI 25 Linux 1, Essentials 3 units
  • CSCI 26 Linux 2, System Administration (P) 3 units
  • CSCI 48 Network Fundamentals and CISCO Level 1 4 units
  • CSCI 49 PCs and Peripherals/A+ 4 units
  • CSCI 65 Microsoft SQL Database Administration (P) 3 units
  • CSCI 70 Installing and Configuring Windows Server 2012(P) 3 units
  • CSCI 71 Administering Windows Server 2012 (P) 3 units
  • CSCI 72 Configuring Advanced Windows 2012Server Services(P) 3 units
  • BCIS 33 Skills for the Working Professional 1 units

*For an AS in Computer Networking or System Administration both the major requirements and GE graduation requirements must be completed

I have plans to expand to include a cyber-security pathway in the future to better serve our community.

Linda Fischer