Oct. 6, 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.
As a 2019 graduate from Hamilton High School, Nash Diekevers was still figuring out what he wanted to do.
“Before I enrolled at GRCC, I was working at a Sherwin Williams in their shipping and receiving area. I am one of three triplets and my mom is always looking for ideas and opportunities for us. She is how I found out about GRCC’s Job Training Computer Support Technician program. She saw my interest in computers even before I did. Growing up, I played video games and even built a computer myself. She connected the dots!”
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 by a wide array of employers.
“At first, I was nervous about the cost, but then I started to research jobs and career potential and I knew it was going to be totally worth it! I started the program in February of this year,” he said.
The Computer Support Technician Job Training Program is now offered in an entirely online format; however, there is still a personal element in the program. Instructor Moss Ingram stresses that should not deter anyone from taking 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.
Diekevers credits Ingram for truly preparing him for his new job.
“Moss Ingram is honestly the best teacher I have ever had!” he said. “The combination of his teaching style and my interest in the topic made this experience the best. It was awesome! At first, I thought I would rather be taught in person but the methods that are used really prepare you for how IT work is being done. Remote seems like the new standard.”
Unlike many training programs that meet the needs of a specific market, any and all employers who use computer technology require computer support. Whether provided by a full-time employee or by a contracted managed services company, every company needs IT support.
This program is designed to address Computer Support from four perspectives: technical, professionalism and employability, business innovation, and design. Students regularly meet local IT technicians, engineers, business owners, and recruiters via Zoom to learn from their experiences and current market expectations.
Nash recently started a position through TEKsystems and is now on contract at Peckham. “I work remotely as a help desk person for them. I’m in training right now, learning their systems but the knowledge I gained from the CST program has been invaluable!”
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 have received my Comp TIA+ Certification and plan to gain more work experience and move toward adding more certifications and move up.”
“I had a real desire to make a difference in my life. I have a girlfriend, and a young son, and now a promising future!”
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.
The next Computer Support Technician Program sessions begins Oct. 18, 2021. Go to Grcc.edu/jobtraining for additional information.
