too, so I know exactly what our trucks need to get jobs
done and to be ready to go to a job.”
Tjader already had much of what companies say are
key for ICT employees to be successful, but how many
other Don Tjaders are out there? How many other individuals
could excel if they only knew the ICT industry
and its opportunities existed?
CONNECT WITH MIDDLE
AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Some labor experts say getting the word out to middle
and high school students is critically important to building
a pipeline of workers. Many students do not understand
the difference between ICT and IT work. Getting
guidance counselors excited by providing them with
information about the opportunities in ICT could help
attract students who do not see themselves sitting behind
a computer all day.
Ehrgott explains, “This is something I wished my guidance
counselor would've told me 21 years ago when I was
graduating from high school, but they were pushing post-
secondary education as opposed to trade skill. There's
always other choices besides college that allow you to be
successful both financially and in terms of stability. You
do not necessarily need a full four-year degree, and you
don't need to incur all the student loan debt. There are
other options out there, and there's nothing wrong with
working with your hands for a living.”
Some high school students are beginning apprenticeships
that allow them to work and go to school while
learning the ICT industry. The National Joint Apprenticeship
and Training Committee (NJATC) is the largest
group offering apprentice opportunities in electrical and
low voltage wiring using local branches of the International
Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The
apprenticeship takes about three years to complete and
prepares people to work in ICT-related jobs.
PRIVATE PARTIES MAKE AN IMPACT
The band Metallica, known for its heavy metal music,
is an extremely philanthropic organization. The group
is making an impact on people and communities across
the country, stepping far outside of the typical stereotype
of a heavy metal band. Metallica formed the All Within
64 I ICT TODAY
As a key enabler of
productivity for providers
of products and services,
a shortage of ICT workers
could have significant impact
on economic growth and
global competitiveness.
My Hands Foundation. According to its website, the foundation
“...is dedicated to creating sustainable communities
by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger,
and other critical local services.” The foundation earmarked
$1 million for technical colleges to meet the training
needs of local businesses and help fill a pipeline
of qualified workers.
Ten community colleges received $100,000 to support
students who are training to enter the U.S. workforce.
Gateway is using its grant to train future telecommunications
workers in a program called Telecom on
Demand. These students will become the first cohort
of Metallica Scholars.
There is added bang for the buck that comes with the
Metallica grant. Having a big name associated with the
program allows technical colleges to generate significant
media interest. The other nine technical colleges to
receive the Metallica grant include:
• Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte,
North Carolina
• Clackamas Community College in Oregon City
• College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois
• Community College of Baltimore County
• Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan
• Lone Star College in The Woodlands, Texas
• North Idaho College
• Spokane Community College
• Wichita State University Campus of Applied
Sciences and Technology in Kansas