Information Technology Readiness North (InTeRN)
The Information Technology Readiness North (InTeRN)Program prepares Indigenous women for a career in the Information Technology field. It creates opportunities for women in Northern Manitoba to receive entry level Information Technology (IT) certifications without having to leave their communities and social supports. Life in the north requires innovation and resiliency. InTeRN uses a structure unlike any other IT training currently in practice.
Some of the features are:
- No previous IT experience is required.
- Students use industry-certified curriculum from CompTIA and Cisco Networking.
- Students practice their IT skills in a functioning IT structure. They work as technicians in the UCN Computers for Schools depot. C4S refurbishes and redistributes computer equipment to Northern students and organizations.
- Students can access the classroom and lab from home using the InTeRN virtual classroom. Moms can be at home with sick kids and still work face-to-face with the class.
- Support is built into the program and a primary goal is that every student feels fully supported and confident to complete the program.
- Students will be prepared for full-time entry-level positions in industry. The training will serve as the foundation for future training in more advanced network, cybersecurity and cloud computing training.
Frequently Ask Questions
Will I have a good time?
We think so! The class environment is developed to promote teamwork and inclusivity. Students will work in an unpaid work practicum as an opportunity to obtain actual work experience with an industry partner.
Who should take this course?
This training is the starting point for a career in IT and covers the skills necessary for today's IT support jobs. CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification that helps people jumpstart IT careers. Not only does it supply the tech support skills necessary in every industry, but a CompTIA A+ certification opens the door to a career in IT, giving individuals the credentials they need to land an IT job.
What are the expectations for me to be successful in this program?
Excellent attendance and a good work ethic. We promote community and inclusion.
Do I need a background in IT such as computer or network training?
A background in IT is not required. There is no prerequisite and this training is the first step in a career in IT. You will learn the fundamental IT skills needed for a successful IT career.
What are the entrance requirements for this program?
High School graduate or equivalent.
Are any special tools or equipment required?
All required tools and equipment are available for students to use. Students will be given an ESD wrist strap. Students can apply for and receive a notebook or desktop pc from the C4S depot.
What types of jobs would be available to me when I am successful in this training?
Graduating students have completed projects with local school divisions and have found careers with companies such as Kraft Paper.
Popular Job roles are:
Service Desk Analyst, Help Desk Tech, Technical Support Specialist, Field Service Technician, Associate Network Engineer, Data Support Technician, Desktop Support Administrator, End User Computing Technician, Help Desk Technician, System Support Specialist
Why is this training unique?
InTeRN is focused on training women for a career in IT. Students can stay in the north and maintain connections with their communities, friends and family.
Excellent in-person attendance is required but the program is delivered as hybrid. A virtual classroom is always available for students to work from home should the situation be warranted.
Will I get to work with actual equipment or is the training all simulated?
Simulations are available, but students will be trained on the safe and correct use of hand tools, work on actual computer hardware and software, network and security equipment, and receive globally recognized training on IT equipment.
Why is UCN able to provide this training?
University College of the North is a Cisco Networking Academy, a CompTIA Academic Partner and is partnering with Computers for Schools to deliver this training.
Students will be co-registered in Cisco Netacad, an international academy and community and receive training using an authorized curriculum.
This is a certification preparation (cert prep) program. Where can I write my certification exams and what do they cost?
Most of the certification exams can be written at the UCN campus. A testing room is available in the InTeRN lab. Students will be prepared and write the certification exam as part of the program. The cost of the first vouchers is included in the tuition.
Do I need to pass the industry certification exam to achieve credit for the InTeRN Program?
Students will write a CompTIA certification exam as part of the program for the experience and will learn how to prepare themselves to write the exams. Success in sitting the exams is not required to achieve an InTeRN diploma and depends entirely on each student's preparation.
What topics does this course cover?
- Assemble components based on customer requirements
- Install, configure and maintain devices, PCs and software for end users
- Build and secure Local Area Networks.
- Understand and implement computer and network security.
- Apply troubleshooting skills to diagnose, resolve and document common hardware and software issues
- Provide appropriate customer support
- Understand the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment
What is CompTIA?
The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is a leading voice and advocate for the $5.0 trillion global information technology ecosystem; and the more than 50 million industry and tech professionals who design, implement, manage, and safeguard the technology that powers the world's economy. CompTIA is the hub for advancing the tech industry and its workforce through education, training, certifications, advocacy, philanthropy, and market research.
