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The need for skilled IT professionals is expected to grow by 27.6 percent by the year 2014 in Wisconsin.
Educational systems worldwide are having a difficult time keeping pace with the rapid evolution of information technology. School experiences alone are not always able to provide students with the exposure needed for the opportunities and jobs generated by today's information-driven economy.
The NorthWest Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET) and the Regional Advanced Technology Education Consortium (RATEC) located in Bellevue, Washington, developed the Information Technology Skills Standards Project. Over 200 IT professionals to identify national skill standards for information technology career clusters, which resulted in an information technology curriculum, Building a Foundation for Tomorrow, Tech Prep Information Technology Skill Standards-Based Curriculum Modules. A Wisconsin-based Information Technology Employer Advisory Committee reviewed the curriculum and developed the worksite competencies.
Industry mentors are trained to teach youth apprentices the skills and knowledge needed to find entry-level employment in the information technology industry.
Youth Apprentices interested in the Information Technology program may choose to take either a one-year or a two-year program that combines classroom instruction with mentored on-the-job training. The student may choose one year of classroom instruction with a minimum of 450 work hours, or two years of classroom instruction with a minimum of 900 work hours.
A youth apprentice may take the Information Technology classes at the high school, a local Wisconsin Technical College, or at a participating employer's worksite.
The curriculum consists of twenty-two modules. Year one consists of 13 modules. Year two consists of the remaining 9.
The curriculum addresses the following areas:
Year One
- Basic computer skills
- Word processing
- Database applications
- Spreadsheet
Year Two
- Graphics
- Presentation software
- Programming
- Networking
- Additional technical computer information
After successful completion of the requirements for a high school diploma and the school-based and work-based requirements for Youth Apprenticeship, the students receive a Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the Department of Workforce Development. Students who complete the two-year Information Technology Program may receive advanced standing credit from a Wisconsin technical College offering a related associate degree program.
Successful completion of the program qualifies youth apprentices to pursue a number of industry-standard certifications, including A+ , Network + and other Microsoft office certifications.
Skills Standards Checklist
Order Form from Dept. of Administration Document Sales Unit
Northwest Center for Emerging Technologies