CompTIA Presentation today, 1-2 p.m.

You’re invited to join the LLCC Computer Science Academy (CSA) for a CompTIA presentation today, Dec. 1, 1-2 p.m. in the Kreher Agriculture Center. Learn how LLCC courses that lead to CompTIA certifications help prepare students for the IT workforce.

CompTIA representative Karen Martin will be providing information on the top Illinois employers, wages and tech job postings as well as common pathways into the technology field.

CompTIA Presentation Dec. 1

You’re invited to join the LLCC Computer Science Academy (CSA) for a CompTIA presentation on Friday, Dec. 1, 1-2 p.m. in the Kreher Agriculture Center. Learn how LLCC courses that lead to CompTIA certifications help prepare students for the IT workforce.

CompTIA representative Karen Martin will be providing information on the top Illinois employers, wages and tech job postings as well as common pathways into the technology field.

DoIT recruitment event today on Springfield campus

The Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) has launched a paid trainee program to build a pipeline of tech talent to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals and diversify the agency’s workforce. Cohorts will begin with initial classes of 20 participants, with additional cohorts launching as needed. LLCC developed the curriculum for participants and will host a training site in Springfield. A recruitment event is being held today, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kreher Agriculture Center at LLCC in Springfield.

LLCC partners with DoIT to develop tech talent pipeline

Gov. Pritzker announces paid tech trainee program to diversify and strengthen state’s workforce

Josh Collins, Theresa Carlton, Governor Pritzker, Laurel Bretz and Dr. Carmen Allen.
Joined by educators, lawmakers and advocates, Governor JB Pritzker announced yesterday that the Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology (DoIT) is launching a paid trainee program to build a pipeline of tech talent to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals and diversify the agency’s workforce.

“As Governor, I’m determined to make sure every Illinoisan can access good jobs — the kind that pays the bills and also supports the dreams of their families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are launching an IT trainee program to build a pipeline of tech talent to meet the growing demand for skilled tech professionals and diversify our state’s tech workforce. From creation to consumption, Illinois is paving the way in the digital economy for all our residents.”

Trainees will receive a minimum yearly salary of $54,000 from DoIT while pursuing tracks in one of five high-need concentration areas: cybersecurity, networking, coding and database, end user computing and enterprise infrastructure. Additional tracks will be added as the program grows. Trainees will also receive formal mentoring from current DoIT employees and be offered a full-time job with DoIT after completing the program and meeting its benchmarks.

Cohorts will begin with initial classes of 20 participants, with additional cohorts launching as needed. Lincoln Land Community College developed the curriculum for participants and will host a training site in Springfield. DoIT is also pleased to partner with City Colleges of Chicago to provide a Chicago-based training site and expand the program’s reach.

Applicants should apply online at DoIT.illinois.gov. There will be two recruitment events:

  • Friday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City College’s Harold Washington campus in Chicago
  • Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kreher Agriculture Center at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield.

Prospective applicants can email DoIT.Recruitment@illinois.gov with application questions.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Governor Pritzker, City Colleges of Chicago and Lincoln Land Community College on this initiative,” said Illinois Department of Innovation & Technology Acting Secretary and State CIO Sanjay Gupta. “By investing in the development of a strong talent pipeline, we are not only shaping the future of our workforce, but also driving innovation and growth in our community. This partnership is a testament to our unwavering commitment to diversity and nurturing local tech talent, propelling our state to new heights of success.”

“Lincoln Land Community College is a leader in training individuals for vital careers in the technology and cybersecurity fields,” said Dr. Charlotte Warren, President of LLCC. “We’re proud to serve students with this innovative partnership that will help DoIT grow their own workforce, and we applaud DoIT and the Governor’s administration for recognizing the workforce training programs provided by community colleges.”

“Our thanks go to Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology for leading the creation of a new pipeline between community colleges and public sector technology careers,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado. “This collaboration will complement City Colleges’ growing suite of technology programs that offer our students relevant skills, hands-on experience, and a pathway into Illinois’ dynamic tech industry.”

DoIT will soon be accepting applications for the inaugural class of the trainee program. The program was designed to make the broadest possible group of individuals eligible to participate.

For additional information on the trainee program, applicant criteria and upcoming hiring events, email DoIT.Recruitment@illinois.gov.

Dr. Carmen Allen and Julie Brennan attend CBExchange conference

C-BEM Competency-based Education Network. CBExchange. Collage of photos of Dr. Allen and Brennan at conference along with theme Power to the Learner.Last week, Dr. Carmen Allen, professor, computer science, and Julie Brennan, assistant professor, computer science, attended a three-day CBExchange conference on competency-based education (CBE). CBE is a personalized approach to learning that allows students to progress at their own pace and master competencies before moving on to new material.

Dr. Allen and Brennan are excited to share what they learned at the conference with their colleagues during Professional Development Day on Nov. 7. They will discussing how to use CBE and regular and substantive interaction (RSI) to improve student learning and engagement.

#PowertotheLearner
www.c-ben.org

SkySoar Fest

It was a beautiful afternoon Friday for SkySoar Fest, an outdoor showcase of radio-controlled flyers and drones sponsored by the LLCC Computer Science Academy. Faculty from LLCC Computer Science, Agriculture, Geography and Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Training programs and members of the Sangamon Valley RC Flyers provided displays and demonstrations. A number of faculty, staff, students and community members attended. In addition to drones and flyers circling the area northeast of Cass Gym, a bald eagle was spotted doing the same near the end of the event!
A man outside holding a remote control for a droneseveral colorful drones on the groundagricultural drone on the ground
A young woman looking at a drone remote control held by a man outside

LLCC to host SkySoar Fest today, 1-3 p.m.

Drone flying over field SkySoar Fest, an outdoor showcase of radio-controlled flyers and drones sponsored by the Computer Science Academy, is today from 1-3 p.m. northeast of Cass Gymnasium. In case of rain, displays and presentations will be moved inside to the Student Union in the lower level of Menard Hall.

Faculty from LLCC Computer Science, Agriculture, Geography and Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Training programs and members of the Sangamon Valley RC Flyers will have displays and provide demonstrations. They will also talk about applications for small, unmanned aircraft technology in various careers, including search and rescue, precision agriculture, mapping and photography.

SkySoar Fest tomorrow, 1-3 p.m.

Drone flying over fieldLLCC’s Computer Science Academy is hosting SkySoar Fest, an outdoor showcase of radio-controlled flyers and drones, tomorrow, Sept. 15, 1-3 p.m. northeast of Cass Gymnasium. In case of rain, displays and presentations will be moved inside to the Student Union.

Faculty from LLCC Computer Science, Agriculture, Geography and Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Training programs and members of the Sangamon Valley RC Flyers will have displays and provide demonstrations. They will also talk about applications for small, unmanned aircraft technology in various careers, including search and rescue, precision agriculture, mapping and photography.

LLCC to host SkySoar Fest Friday

Drone flying over fieldLLCC’s Computer Science Academy is hosting SkySoar Fest, an outdoor showcase of radio-controlled flyers and drones, on Friday, Sept. 15, 1-3 p.m. on LLCC’s Springfield campus, 5250 Shepherd Rd., northeast of Cass Gymnasium. In case of rain, displays and presentations will be moved inside to the Student Union in the lower level of Menard Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Faculty from LLCC Computer Science, Agriculture, Geography and Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Training programs and members of the Sangamon Valley RC Flyers will have displays and provide demonstrations. They will also talk about applications for small, unmanned aircraft technology in various careers, including search and rescue, precision agriculture, mapping and photography.