The San Antonio College Computer Information Systems Department has launched a new Information Technology (IT) Academy beginning this fall semester to help meet the demand for trained computer professionals.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the IT industry will add 632,000 new jobs between 2002 and 2012, an 18 percent increase.
 
"The IT Academy is an innovative program which promotes career awareness, skill development, and workplace experiences within the Information Technology career field," said Steve Kolars, department chairperson.  He added that the IT Academy combines the major vendor expectations with the skill needs of the local IT industry and works with local advisory committees to insure curriculum offerings match employer needs.
    
"We are working with major software vendors (such as Microsoft, Oracle, Novell, Cisco, Red Hat, and others), and our faculty are certified to provide training directly related to their vendor-specific professional certifications," said Rocky Conrad, CIS Professor. 

"As members of Microsoft, Novell and Oracle academic initiatives, it allows us to provide software and curriculum to students at no or substantially discounted prices," he added.
    
He said the IT Academy is a major resource for working professionals in the IT field to upgrade their skills. 
 
For example, the academy has been conducting courses in Object-oriented Design and Java Programming at Harcourt Assessment, Inc.  Courses are also offered in Unix system administration and Oracle Database administration for the Alamo Community College District's IT professionals at the ACCD's Advanced Technology Center.
      
The department is also an official member of the Oracle Academy, in conjunction with the Tech Prep program.  High school students who complete Oracle coursework can seamlessly transition into the Database Specialist associate's degree at San Antonio College.
     
The IT Academy offers an Enhanced Certificate in Computer Security; One-Year Certificates in Computer Database, Desktop Support, Computer Programming, and Web Design; and Associate's degrees in Computer Database, Computer Network Administration, Network routing, Network Administration Track, Computer Programming, and Computer Security Administration. 

For more information, call Steve Kolars at 733-2291.