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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2019-01-28-google
January 28, 2019 

College to Offer Google Certification Program 

College of the Canyons is one of 25 community colleges in the nation to have been selected by Jobs for the Future (JFF), a workforce development organization, to offer a Google Information Technology (IT) certification program. 

Launching in March, the 8-month program prepares students with the knowledge they need for entry-level IT positions based on a Google-developed curriculum that is delivered online through Coursera, one of the nation’s leading learning platforms.  

“This partnership will enable College of the Canyons to provide world-class training in information technology to veterans, minorities and adult learners,” said Jeffrey Forrest, Vice-President of Economic and Workforce Development at the college. 

So far, 50 students have registered for the course and nearly 50 percent are veterans. 

Renard Thomas, director of the COC Veterans Resource Center, says the certificate program is an incredible opportunity for veterans to prepare for entry-level jobs in IT after service. 

“It is a good starting point while they figure things out,” said Thomas. “I believe that they can thrive in this career path because of the alignment with skills related to military service. Most positions in IT require attention to detail and problem-solving skills that many veterans have developed throughout their military experience.” 

Veterans may also apply other specific skills, such as communication or organizational skills.  Job search assistance after completing the certificate is an important aspect of the program that will help veterans move forward after service.  

In addition to focusing on veterans, College of the Canyons is the only community college among the ones selected to create a “Pre-apprenticeship in Cybersecurity” as part of the Google IT Certification Program.  

“Jobs For the Future was very impressed with this development and they have given the college their full support,” said Forrest. “This partnership between Google and the college is a perfect example of how employers and education can work together to meet industry needs of industry while reaching veterans and underserved populations with skills-based training for in-demand careers.”

Jobs for the Future (JFF), a workforce development organization based out of Washington, D.C., is the lead partner for this initiative. 

For more information about this program, please email justin.wallace@canyons.edu.