Information Sessions Set at AACC for New Programs for Unemployed

 Veterans and workers who are unemployed, underemployed or displaced from their jobs are eligible to apply for two new training programs offered at Anne Arundel Community College. Information sessions are scheduled this month on certificates that can be completed in as little as one year and lead to good-paying jobs in demand in area industries.

If you are analytical and like to solve problems, you would be a good candidate for either program. Mechatronics– a combination of mechanics, electronics and software control systems – might appeal more to people who enjoy working with their hands. Cyber Technology, also known as information assurance, might be a good fit for people who enjoy the challenge of troubleshooting computers and network systems.

Open houses for Mechatronics are scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursdays, May 9 and 23, in the Center for Applied Learning and Technology (CALT) Room 350. Students learn through hands-on applications using robotics, mechanical systems, pneumatic devices and system controllers. Those who complete the certificate are eligible to sit for industry-standard Siemens and SolidWorks certification exams and are qualified as skilled technicians in advanced manufacturing across many industries.

Open houses for the Cyber Technology certificate are scheduled from 1 to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, May 8 and 22, in the Center for Applied Learning and Technology (CALT) Room 201. Students take classes in computer hardware and software, Cisco networking, security fundamentals and a capstone project to prepare for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity, cyber customer service and technical support, such as a network support specialist. The program offers the Comp TIA A+, Network+ and Security+ and Cisco CCNA certification exams.

Both programs are offered in an accelerated format that allows participants to earn 30 academic credits and a certificate in about one year. Participants take all classes together in a cohort and are eligible for enhanced student support services. The next Mechatronics cohort begins May 28. The next start date for the Cyber Technology cohort is June 3.

The programs were created by member colleges of the National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Consortium with funding from a U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant. Admission requires applicants to meet certain criteria, so AACC has set up additional days to help people apply for these two programs. All sessions are on AACC’s Arnold campus, 101 College Parkway. For information about either program, contact Kat Schorr, consortium grant navigator, at kschorr@aacc.edu or 410-777-7219.