MAHONING VALLEY YSU expands courses in technology

The university is hoping the additions will boost the high-tech education of the local work force.
By RON COLE
VINDICATOR EDUCATION WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Youngstown State University will team with two technology companies to expand the university's technical training offerings this spring.
I/Tech Services Inc., a Maryland-based information technology training company, will offer a program called Extended Education Environment, or E3, to students in YSU's Microsoft and A+ Computer Technician certification programs, said Dr. Sandra Stephan, executive director of YSU's Metro College.
In addition, Wrightco Technologies Technical Training Institute in Ebensburg, Pa., will offer a fiber-optics and communications course at YSU starting this spring, Stephan said.
The offerings are part of YSU's continuing efforts to provide training to Mahoning Valley residents that meets the needs of the high-tech labor market, Stephan said.
"We need to get the Valley up to speed, and one of the ways to do that is these type of programs," she said. "A community needs a technologically educated work force."
Certification courses: YSU offers three information technology certification courses: Cisco, Microsoft and A+.
The courses prepare students for certification tests that qualify them to immediately move into well-paid jobs in the burgeoning fields of computer system design, installation and trouble-shooting.
Beginning in April, students in the Microsoft and A+ programs will have access to I/Tech's E3 network, which connects students to online teaching aids, workshops, seminars, practice exams and job-placement services.
"Our students will have a real advantage in the booming marketplace" with the E3 service, Stephan said, adding that students can post their r & eacute;sum & eacute;s on the E3 network.
Class sites: The Microsoft certification classes are taught at YSU's Metro College site in Austintown Plaza, and the A+ certification courses are at Austintown Plaza and the Metro College site at Eastwood Mall, Stephan said.
YSU will conduct a free information session on the programs at 6:30 p.m. March 14 at its Metro College site at Southwoods Commons in Boardman.
YSU partnered with I/Tech in June 2000 to provide instructors for the eight-course Microsoft program. I/Tech has teamed up with more than 100 colleges nationwide, from the City College of San Francisco to the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, for similar programs.
Three other Ohio schools have agreements with I/Tech: Clark State Community College in Springfield, Columbus State Community College in Columbus and Stark State College of Technology in Canton.
Wrightco course: Stephan said YSU has signed an agreement with Wrightco for a new course that will train students for careers in the telecommunications-data and electronic security alarm industries.
Wrightco, started in 1991, is a licensed proprietary school in Pennsylvania with 16 locations throughout the commonwealth.
Stephan said she expects the program to begin this spring at YSU's main campus, but she did not have further details.