The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the overall employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow 15 percent through the year 2031, outpacing all other occupations. This translates into more than 400,000 openings each year to meet growth and replacement needs.
Southwest Tennessee Community College is reimagining career and technical education with its Southwest Workforce Solutions Center that aims to provide affordable, streamlined access to career and technical education by aligning credit and non-credit courses and credentials. Southwest’s Computer Information Technology program is a shining example of how the college serves as a major workforce engine by preparing students to meet industry needs in cyber defense, networking, programming and systems administration.
“The opportunities for our graduates to enter rewarding technology careers are tremendous,” Southwest Tennessee Community College President Tracy D. Hall said. “We work closely with employers and industry professionals to design our programs to prepare our students to not only compete as highly marketable professionals, but also arrive at their future workplaces ready to make an immediate, positive impact.”
With ransomware attacks, identity theft and other cybercrime at an all-time high, STCC’s Technologies Department Chair Aaron Jagers says the demand for highly trained cybersecurity professionals is unprecedented. “Organizations must protect sensitive information and critical infrastructure more than ever,” Jagers said. “This has resulted in a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, making it a field with a high level of job security and opportunities for advancement.”
Students at the college’s Maxine A. Smith Center in southeast Memphis receive state-of-the-industry training from former computer information technology professionals, using the most current software and hardware. Jagers says the program is particularly well-suited for current computer information technology professionals who want to excel in a thriving industry. “Offering the cyber defense program at the Maxine Smith Center is designed to provide area IT professionals convenient, affordable access to the most current IT training,” Jagers said. “The goal of the program is to support the growth and advancement of IT and operations professionals, while also helping companies to maintain a knowledgeable and competent workforce.”
The 60-credit hour cyber defense program leads to an associate of applied science in information technology degree that is highly respected by employers and prepares graduates to be work-ready on day one. Students sit for the Microsoft Office Specialist exam after their first semester and are prepared for internships at area companies after completing 24-30 hours of computer information technology courses. In addition, the college has a 14-week paid IT apprenticeship program funded by a U.S. Department of Labor Closing the Skills Gap grant offered in partnership with the Greater Memphis IT Council and the University of Memphis. The program will provide 800 student apprentices with a complimentary curriculum and insight into careers in Information Technology through Feb. 29, 2024.
One particular skillset in high demand right now is Cisco training. STCC has a Cisco training lab outfitted with more than $200,000 in state-of-the-art software and hardware that exposes students to real-world scenarios and hands-on learning experiences. “This puts our students at a distinct advantage as they can demonstrate to employers that they have a solid understanding of Cisco and can apply their knowledge and training in a real-world setting.”
Industry professionals who are looking to upskill also can apply to have their work experience count for a limited number of course credit through the college’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program. PLA helps professionals and employers save precious dollars and time. With the ever-evolving nature of cyber defense, saving time and money are a premium benefit. “New technologies and threats are emerging all the time,” Jagers said. “This trend means those professionals with experience and the most current training will be in the most demand and can command the higher salaries.”
For more information about enrolling in the Southwest Tennessee Community College’s Computer Information Technology and Cyber Defense program at the Maxine A. Smith Center, contact Aaron Jagers at ajagers@southwest.tn.edu.
Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open-access college with seven locations in West Tennessee. Southwest awards associate degrees and certificates in more than 120 programs of study. A Tennessee Board of Regents institution, Southwest is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
