Richland Community College is looking for people interested in Google IT certification
The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) is highlighting the growing need for skilled Information Technology (IT) workers in Illinois and a path for acquiring the skills needed for those jobs through apprenticeship opportunities during National Apprenticeship week (Nov 15-19, 2021).
IT remains one of the most in demand skilled labor sectors in Illinois as more companies expand remote or off-site working opportunities and seek higher performing software for day-to-day operations.
Through a multi-year federal grant, ICCB has developed the Customized Apprenticeship Program – Information Technology, or CAP-IT, at ten community colleges throughout the state to help people looking for higher paying stable careers gain the skills necessary through paid work-based apprenticeships.
As a CAP-IT partnering college, Richland Community College, is currently looking for people interested in a unique opportunity – earning Google IT certification through the college for free.
According to Andy Hynds, Dean of the Math, Science, and Business Division, “There has never been a better time to start a career in IT. Richland will provide a no-cost opportunity for anyone to earn a Google IT certification at their own pace. Individuals can potentially earn an industry-certified credential in Google IT Support in six months with less than 10 hours of self-paced work per week, or sooner with more than 10 hours of work per week. No IT experience is necessary. Individuals who complete the certification have the opportunity to gain employment through Google or through one of more than 150 employers. The average salary for entry-level roles is $63,600 annually. Anyone who is interested in learning more can fill out a brief form at www.richland.edu/google.”
“The pandemic has accelerated the desire of many individuals to find opportunities that lead to better life outcomes and CAP-IT is a tremendous opportunity to be paid while training for a new career, especially those in underserved communities,” said ICCB executive director, Brian Durham.
The CAP-IT program has helped nearly 600 people since the program began in 2019, many who are minority or low-income individuals.
There are more than 32,000 current job openings in Illinois for computer technicians and over 61,000 open positions for software developers and quality analysts according to the latest Illinois Community College Economic Impact Study released in September.
The nine other CAP-IT partnering colleges are:
- City Colleges of Chicago (Chicago)
- College of Lake County (Grayslake)
- Illinois Central College (Peoria)
- Joliet Junior College (Joliet)
- Kishwaukee College (Malta)
- Lincoln Land Community College (Springfield)
- Oakton Community College (Des Plaines)
- Parkland College (Champaign)
- Rend Lake College (Ina)