CHAMPION Microsoft courses planned

Courses in business, personal enrichment and various professions also are being offered.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
CHAMPION -- Microsoft certification courses will be offered this fall at Trumbull Career and Technical Center.
The program offers training for Microsoft-certified professionals, systems engineers and database administrators.
The courses are at TCTC, off Mahoning Avenue, for undergraduate and graduate degree credit.
Instructors are being provided by AMT, located on the second floor of the Phar-Mor building in Youngstown.
Formerly at Kent: AMT is run by Dr. Sal Weingarten, who was director of a similar program at Kent State University Trumbull Campus but broke ties there after students lodged complaints and criticism against administrators for how the program was being handled there.
Some students questioned the school's motivation for changing the program and some left the Kent program, following Weingarten to AMT.
Requirements: Microsoft-certified professionals must take four basic courses, which give them a foundation in computer networking and allow them to continue their education.
The systems engineer program tests knowledge of Microsoft's computer server and client operating systems for administration and maintenance of computer networks.
A database administrator learns network and database server operating systems for their administration and maintenance.
A program is also available for those who want to certify their knowledge of their company's desktop software.
Weingarten has said starting salary for a systems engineer is between $40,000 and $70,000 a year. Annual salaries could reach $150,000 for database administrators.
Additional classes: Other courses listed in the school's customized and adult training catalog are being offered through December.
For more information or schedules, call the school at (330) 847-0503 or 539-6314, Ext. 205. The Web address is http://ad.tctc.k12.oh.us.
An open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday will give prospective students a chance to ask questions, visit labs, meet instructors and apply for financial aid.
Personal enrichment classes being offered include yoga and relaxation, bird identification, wedding coordination, sign language, perennial gardening, aromatherapy, gourmet cooking and antique identification.
Trade and industry classes include welding, machinery, metallurgy, drafting, hydraulics, electronics and carpentry.
Business, computer, office technology and health occupation courses are also being offered.
New programs are computer service specialist, LPN training, medical transcription and coding, and a collective bargaining workshop.
davis@vindy.com