Application Open for New IT Readiness Classes That Prepare Students for Jobs

ROGERS, Ark. – Online applications are now available for continuing education classes starting in September in the IT Readiness Program, developed by the University of Arkansas Global Campus and its industry partners.

The first four certificate programs offered – front-end, back-end, Java and mobile – are designed to elevate people with little or no information technology skills to job-readiness for entry-level positions, said Tara Dryer, director of training, corporate development and academic outreach for the Global Campus.

Students can apply online for this workforce development education program.  The cost is $799 per certificate program. Classes begin Sept. 26.

The purpose of the professional certificate program is to provide people in the region with the information technology skills and certificates needed to help satisfy existing and future industry needs. Industry will benefit from a larger pool of qualified applicants for open positions.

“All of the instructors have full-time jobs as active developers,” said Michael Paladino, co-founder and chief technology officer of RevUnit in Bentonville. “That’s a value add. These are people actively doing this on a daily basis.”

RevUnit and other industry partners are helping the Global Campus develop the program curriculum, ensuring that students learn the skills most sought after by local industry. Certificate programs for more advanced information technology skills are planned.

At an IT Readiness partnership meeting last week, Paladino told industry representatives to be prepared to handle “an influx of newbies” as people complete the programs.

Those who earn certificates will be positioned to join the workforce or seek higher education at Northwest Arkansas Community College or the University of Arkansas, Dryer said.

“I think we are really set up for success,” Dryer said. “Our industry partners have the passion and the skills needed to help us create certificate programs that can propel people into better jobs with higher pay.”

The IT Readiness Program began developing certificate programs last year, after the Global Campus received a $48,954 grant from the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. In July, the department awarded a second grant of $851,062 to implement the program. The cost to students is partially offset by this grant.

The Global Campus was eligible for the grants because local industry supported the project. Project partners include Acxiom, Bentonville Public Schools, Collective Bias, Field Agent, J.B. Hunt, Metova Inc., Northwest Arkansas Community College, Northwest Arkansas Council, Northwest Technical Institute, RevUnit, Rockfish, Saatchi & Saatchi X, Springdale Public Schools, Startup Junkie, Tata Consultancy Services and Walmart Stores Inc.

“The University of Arkansas and the state are committed to enhancing and expanding workforce development offerings, as is evident from our launch of this program,” said Donald Judges, U of A interim vice provost for distance education.  “I have faith in the success of the IT Readiness Initiative because of the overwhelming support we’ve had from the business community. They know best what information technology skills are needed in the workforce today and in the future.”

Dryer and Starlyn Danley, coordinator for computer training at the Global Campus, worked closely in recent years with local chambers of commerce, the Northwest Arkansas Council and local industry to build the groundwork for this workforce initiative.