Information Communication Technologies & Digital Media Sector Team

IT Networking-Cybersecurity

There’s never been a better time for students to enter the IT workforce, as thousands of high paying jobs remain unfilled across California. And since many entry-level jobs don’t require a 4-year degree, community college educators can help students with little or no technical experience get training and industry certifications that lead to well-paying, in-demand jobs in computer networking and cybersecurity.
The IT Technician Pathway (ITTP) is a series of four sets of courses designed to take students who need to start working soon from computer sales to help desk support to more specialized fields, like networking and cybersecurity. Each group of courses in the pathway corresponds to industry certifications that are essential for employment in any IT job.

Transfer: Both the ITTP and the IT Model Curriculum for Transfer, on which it is based, are transferrable towards a Bachelor’s degree at National University and Western Governors University.

K-12 Funnel: The ITTP also aligns with efforts to increase cybersecurity education at the K-12 level through CyberPatriot and other cyber competitions. These events bring students from all walks of life together to learn how to keep networks safe against cyber threats.

Labor Market Assessment

IT roles appear in any type of business. Educational support can be for the starting technician, retail sales person or for the experienced degreed professional who needs the latest Cybersecurity know-how.

While many entry jobs are accessible with recognized 3rd Party Certifications, the most valued credential is experience. Due to the increasing complexity of IT – Cybersecurity and the attendant managerial responsibilities the BS degree is rapidly increasing in demand.

Demand Statewide (Job Openings) 

32,650

Estimated Headcount in ITTP Courses

41,122

North/Sacramento Region

Bay Region

Central Region

Los Angeles Region

Orange County Region

South Central Coast Region

San Diego Region

Inland Empire/Desert Region

LATEST NEWS

Start or Expand Your Program

Here are resources to help you start or expand IT Networking and Cybersecurity programs on your campus.

IT TECHNICIAN PATHWAY

The ITTP is designed to get students started in their careers in 6 months or less.

The ITTP is divided into the following segments:
● Phase 1: Computer Retail Sales
● Phase 2: Help Desk/User Support
● Phase 3: IT Technician
● Phase 4: Cybersecurity or Networking specialization

Colleges can launch the ITTP at any time using the Implementation Checklist below. All of the recommended courses and recommended industry certifications are listed on the ITTP Course Guide. The student flyer can be used to promote the program.

ITTP Course Guide

ITTP Implementation Checklist

ITTP Student Flyer

CYBERSECURITY DEGREE ARTICULATION

The ICT-Digital Media Sector Team has developed articulation agreements that allow community college students to complete their studies at 4-year universities and obtain Bachelor of Science degrees in Cybersecurity and IT Management. Students who start the IT Technician-Cybersecurity pathway at a community college and transfer to any of the colleges listed below will receive credit for community college courses taken.

Find out how your campus can get involved and view current articulation agreements.

IT READINESS PROGRAM ASSESSMENT

Campuses with robust IT programs have some key components in common. Take a few minutes to assess your campus IT program using the checklist below. Note areas that need to be addressed and contact your Deputy Sector Navigator to discuss possible funding opportunities to improve your program.

IT MODEL CURRICULUM

Colleges across the state are preparing to align to the updated IT Model Curriculum and IT/Cyber Model Curriculum. All courses and descriptors will be finalized once approvals are in place.

IT-Cyber Model Curriculum

VIEW HERE

IT Model Curriculum

VIEW HERE

GOOGLE IT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Colleges in the Bay Area have launched a successful pilot program that integrates Google’s IT Support Professional course content into the existing college curriculum. Through this program, students can complete Google’s cutting-edge content, with support and engagement from a community college faculty member and receive college credit. This certificate is designed to help students with no prior IT training get the experience needed for an entry-level job within one year.

To learn how the Google Certification aligns with the IT Model Curriculum, download the worksheet here. For an overview of each course, click here

To learn how your college can get involved, contact Richard Grotegut, Bay Region ICT-DM Deputy Sector Navigator at .

CYBER COMPETITIONS AND RESOURCES

The ICT-DM Sector works with partners to expand cyber competitions in high schools and community colleges, creating a pathway for students interested in this growing field.

Ask us about connecting with our partner organizations. We are happy to share best practices with educators looking to bring cyber competitions to their college campuses and partner K-12 schools.

CyberPatriot – Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Education Program

National Cyber League – Capture-the-flag cybersecurity competitions for high school and college students

California Cyberhub – Provides online support for cyber teams and competitions

Bay Area Cyber Competitions – Helps students develop workforce ready skills through competitions

CLARK Digital Library – Diverse collection of cybersecurity learning objects and curriculum

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Summer Working Connections

July 13-17, 2020
Online

CompTIA Partner Summit

July 28-30, 2020
Online

Hi-Tech 2020

July 29-30, 2020
Online

 

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We Can Help

Contact the ICT-DM Regional Director in your region for customized support and regional expertise.

 

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