Sept. 22, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates.
Matthew Majestic found himself rethinking his job choices when COVID-19 crippled so many industries last spring. He had been working in various business sectors and just wasn’t happy.
“I needed to go back and really think about what I enjoy doing and how I want my future to look,” he said.
Majestic had always been a “computer guy.” “I have always played around with computers as a hobby and now it’s so much more than that!”
He is on contract with GE Aerospace and really enjoying his work. “I was able to start in at a position level higher than entry level because of the training and certifications I obtained through GRCC.”
The program prepares students to achieve two certifications: the CompTIA A+ Certification and the Network+ Certification. Both of these IT certifications are globally recognized and represent in-demand skills sought after by a wide array of employers.
“This program is just phenomenal. It is so much more that skilled training. The instructor, Moss Ingram has such a wide range of knowledge. He really taught me so much about myself and truly how to find success, not just in this field, but in life.”
The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program is offered in an entirely online format; however, there is still a personal element in the program.
“We have structured the program in a way that provides flexibility but keeps the personal interaction necessary to be successful in the program and in the industry,” Ingram said.
Unlike many training programs that meet the needs of a specific market, any and all employers who use computer technology require computer support, whether the IT support is provided by a fulltime employee or by a contracted managed services company.
This program is designed to address Computer Support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. It also prepares students with the employability skills and the professionalism required to work in IT. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations.
The topic of design is integrated throughout the program in order to best prepare students to satisfy the increasing and ever-changing demands and expectations of today’s IT users.
“I really can’t say enough about the impact this experience is having in my life!” Majestic said. “I was really struggling with a lot of issues before, and this program allows me to not worry so much about my professional life – I can now focus on the good stuff!”
GRCC has an unmatched reputation among employers for supplying West Michigan with work-ready technicians. Our graduates specialize in providing empathy for the people they support while solving complex problems using troubleshooting and design thinking methodologies. Students are also taught to focus on human-centered solutions and technology-based innovations for both colleagues and customers.
Next Computer Support Technician program begins Oct. 18, 2021, and additional information is at grcc.edu/jobtraining.
Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800.