MOSES LAKE – Big Bend Community College and regional data centers are partnering for a new program to prepare students for data center positions.
Demand for IT professionals in eastern Washington has increased in the past decade, with an influx of major technology companies taking advantage of the area’s affordable electrical power and locating data centers in the area.
That demand has led to a partnership between Big Bend and Quincy-area data centers operated by Intuit, Microsoft, Oath, NTT DATA, Sabey Data Centers and Vantage Data Centers.
“We are working closely with the data centers to customize our credentials to train students with the skills they need,” said Tom Willingham, Big Bend computer science specialist. “Students who successfully complete this one-year program will be equipped with the knowledge needed to gain entry-level employment with one of these amazing companies.”
Students who complete the program can earn the Network Support Specialist Certificate of Accomplishment and the Systems Administration Certificate of Achievement at Big Bend, and may also have the option to earn industry certificates and a variety of relevant two-year degrees.
Big Bend has limited space for students in the program starting this fall. Some of the area data centers are working toward providing targeted financial aid assistance and on-the-job training opportunities.
To learn more about the program, contact Willingham at 509-793-2321 or by email to tomwi@bigbend.edu.
Source: ifiberone.com
