Computer Fundamentals
Computer training is the basis of many businesses and industries. With the Microsoft IT Academy Programs, ALMS can provide resources that benefit all students. Acquiring skills on the latest technologies helps students become better collaborators, communicators, critical thinkers, innovators, problem solvers, and citizens of our global economy. More than 50% of today's jobs require technology skills, and experts say that percentage will increase to 77% in the next decade.
Our computer lab
Studies also suggest that in the next 5 to 10 years, there will be a significant shortage in the supply of skilled IT professionals. Over the next four years, IT employment will rise by 5.8 million jobs, and 51% of all IT jobs will be software related, creating 75,000 new businesses.
At the same time, there is always a need for administrative office work. ALMS is a place under one roof for young adults in Woodland to learn universal skills that every employer wants, and computer skills such as typing, Microsoft Office, Excel, and PowerPoint, to help open opportunities into entry-level jobs. This skill set typically provides a starting living wage at $30,000+ a year, with room for growth and upward mobility.
With recently installed technology-equipped classrooms, ALMS intends to offer computer hardware classes teaching design, development, and testing of computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. We call this maker-space. It is a pathway toward hardware engineer, and entry-level pay for some with this certification is $68,000+ according to the industry standard, and the projected growth is 6 percent from 2018 to 2028. The goal is to offer training for IT Fundamentals Certification. Starting wages for these skills is $50,000+, and growing at approximately 9 percent annually.
The intention is for every student to go through ALMS Job Readiness and Soft Skills Training. These skills are essential for landing and holding a job in today's workplace, especially amongst the Millennial and Z generations. However, ALMS recognizes that some youth have acquired these essential skills beforehand and may only need support in specific areas.
To support ALMS youth who have already entered the workforce and desire additional training in technology, ALMS intends to offer classes (conducted by volunteer professionals) in computer architecture, networking, coding, security, etc. Active mentoring and advising will augment this offering for students demonstrating the interest, capability, and maturity to advance in these technical areas.