For technical communications professions, such as line workers and repairmen, career opportunities will be abundant between now and 2017, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics.

As a result, Rachel Kristensen is working hard to boost enrollment for the 21st Century Technical Communications Program at HFCC.

“I want to get the word out that the college is offering three certificates that provide students the means to stay competitive in the field of information and communication technology. This is a very cutting edge program,” said Kristensen, the 21st Century Communications program advisor.

The 21st Century Communications Program is a joint operation between HFCC and AT&T. Last year, AT&T donated $150,000 to HFCC to begin the program, which works to train students in technical communications. Meetings were held with faculty and industry professionals to create a curriculum that would teach students the necessary skills to work in the field.

The program offers three certificates that are between 30-31 credit hours in the following areas: Infrastructure, Technical and Business. All three certifications focus on the growing field of Internet, cable and telephone installation repair. According to Kristensen, students who receive a certificate from this program are eligible to apply all credits toward an associate degree.

The Infrastructure Concentration focuses on expertise in infrastructure and installation project management. The Business Concentration focuses on principles of business, marketing, sales and customer relations. The Technical Concentration focuses on networking concepts, router and switch configurations, remote networks, Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). Students who complete the Technical Concentration are prepared to take the CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification Exam.

“I think as far as obtaining a job in this field, it is economy-proof. There's always a need for this,” said student Raft Mustafa.

Student Christopher Wright agreed, saying “I read an ad in the newspaper about this program and wanted to go into it. This is right up my alley. It offers a combination of networking and customer service. It's got everything I'm looking for all in one—that's what attracted me to this program.”

The program is sponsored by the Michigan Alliance for High-Tech Skills Training, whose members include HFCC, AT&T, Capital Communications, Goodman Networks, Lineage Power, Quanta Services and Telecom Technicians.

For further information about the program, call Kristensen at (313) 845-6470 or visit http://www.hfcc.edu/programs/21stCenturyTechnicalCommunications.asp.