Pathways: Computer Technology Support Specialist

This four month training is designed for students pursuing entry-level work doing PC support in a help desk setting. The target wage for entry-level positions in Oregon is $9-12/hour (Source: Oregon's Labor Market Information System, www.olmis.org).

Conveniently located:
PCC's Central Portland Workforce Training Center.
Classes start soon:
Classes for the next training begin the week of September 28, 2009. Sample schedule - Fall schedule TBA .
Learn more:
Download a printable flyer

Features

  • 8.8 continuing education units (CEUs) are earned by students upon completing the training.
  • Training is on the Work Source Inc. Eligible Training Program List under A+ Certification Prep and Supporting User Applications on Windows XP.
  • Students will be prepared for entry-level work as a computer support specialist upon successfully completing the training and certification exams.
  • Students participate in three hours a week of Career Planning.
  • Train with a group of students, or cohort. An Employment Specialist, with Career Pathways, supports students as they pursue employment in their chosen field.
  • Offered in partnership with the PCC - Computer Education Department.
  • Skills gained in this training can lead to the following certifications:
    • CompTIA A+ - Hardware/Operating System
    • Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician (MCDST)

Estimated Cost of Training: $3,202.00

Cost Sheet

Note: The figures above are based on the 2009/10 PCC fee structure. They are approximations and subject to change without notice.

Prerequisites

  • Students must possess a High School Diploma or GED.
  • Prior experience using the Microsoft Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office suite of products is required.
  • Complete a COMPASS placement exam (results of the exam should place students into Writing 90, Reading 90, and Math 20). Students are allowed to waive the placement exam if they can demonstrate prior learning that meets the writing, reading, and math prerequisites.
  • If your placement test scores are below those listed above, please call  the contact person listed below to discuss your enrollment options.

What should I do next to get into the training?

  1. Apply for Admission to the College.
  2. Take the college placement exam workshop.
  3. Schedule a time to take the COMPASS placement exam. You can call one of the PCC testing centers to schedule the exam.
  4. Complete the PCC online student orientation.
  5. Contact Andrew Roessler at 503-788-6271.


Student Profiles

Employment Prospects

“Employment of computer support specialists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2014, as organizations continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technology and integrate it into their systems. Job growth will continue to be driven by the ongoing expansion of the computer system design and related services industry, which is projected to remain one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. economy.?

(Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).