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CareerSource Research Coast (CSRC) today announced that the Florida Department of Education, Division of Adult Education, has granted CSRC approval to sponsor three new registered apprenticeship program occupations in information technology (IT), which allows CSRC and local employers to build a larger, more skilled and diverse talent pipeline in tech. These occupations include network support specialist, cybersecurity support technician, and tech support specialist.

Each apprenticeship program incorporates a competency-based training model consisting of approximately 15-17 months of on-the-job employment with a minimum of two thousand hours of on-the-job (OJT) training. Related technical instruction (RTI) hours vary by program. All program participants receive basic training on hardware, software, and network troubleshooting and configuration/installation on laptop, desktop, and mobile devices. Cloud storage, IT operations, and security basics are covered as well. To round out each program, apprentices receive soft skills and work-readiness training.

Apprentices enrolled in the Tech Support Specialist Apprenticeship program will receive 328 hours of RTI. This coursework prepares participants for CompTIA A+ certification. Apprentices enrolled in the Network Support Specialist Apprenticeship program must complete 591 hours of RTI. This includes advanced courses in network fundamentals, implementation, operations, security, and troubleshooting, which prepares participants for CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+ certifications. In addition to these competencies, Cybersecurity Support Technician Apprenticeship program participants must complete training in cyber threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities; cybersecurity architecture, design, implementation, operations, and incident reports; as well as cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance for a total of 753 hours of RTI. Upon completion, Cybersecurity Support Technician Apprenticeship program participants will have the training they need to test for CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security certifications.

“I think the Tech Apprenticeship will be a great opportunity for job seekers trying to start a career in the information technology field. When we recruit new talent, candidates who have gained experience through an apprenticeship program always have a leg up,” said Bryan Gardner, Level 4 Telecom president and owner. “This apprenticeship program will allow job seekers to get hands-on technical experience that will help them jump-start their new careers.”

“By expanding our sectors of focus to include apprenticeships in information technology, we’re able to continue to invest in our workforce by providing the training they need for in-demand, high-skill, high-wage positions in a variety of industries, which tie into our local strategic plan,” said CareerSource Research Coast President and CEO Brian Bauer.

Working under a contract with the United States Department of Labor to expand the use of registered apprenticeships for tech occupations nationwide, CompTIA and Maher & Maher have partnered with CareerSource Research Coast to launch these apprenticeship programs.

To learn more about how to establish an apprenticeship program for new and/or existing employees in St. Lucie, Martin or Indian River counties, businesses may e-mail apprenticeships@careersourcerc.com or call 866-482-4473.

For program funding details in compliance with the Stevens Amendment, please visit http://8jq.6c5.myftpupload.com/program-funding.

About CareerSource Research Coast
CareerSource Research Coast (CSRC) is a private, non-profit, Florida corporation with a board of directors consisting of private businesses, economic development and education representatives, community and state agencies, and elected officials. Members of the board represent the diversity of businesses, organizations and trades that operate in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie counties. The State of Florida chartered CSRC to create and manage a workforce development service delivery system responsive to the needs of businesses and job seekers. Our certified workforce professionals can be reached by calling 1-866-4U2-HIRE or 1-866-482-4473. Visit www.careersourcerc.com to learn more. An equal opportunity employer/program. TTY/TDD use Florida Relay Service 711.

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Tags: apprenticeship, press release