Monday, May 21, 2012

Career schools produce grads to liking of firms - Sacramento Business Journal:

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Institutions like , Heald College, , and numerous otherz offer shorter educational programs that differ significantly from thosr at schools like the University of Californisa at Davisand . And employers appreciat e the difference. Bill Warwick, employment directof for , said his company likes to hire grads from ITTTechnical Institute, and Sierra "They are very focused, they are very they get right to the point," Warwick said of the two-yeadr tech programs. "And they teach hands-on skills that are valuable in the particularly inour business, which is computer assembly.
" the career college studentsx are working adults who are upgrading their skillxs or preparing for a career change by taking courses during evenings and weekends. Thei r previous workplace experience allows them to hit the ground runninbg once they land thatnew job. Such schoolin is not cheap, but tuition fees are less than at many Students working towarda four-yeard bachelor's degree at Golden Gate pay abouy $10,000 annually. For students seeking a Microsoft systemsd engineer associate degreefrom MTI, the cost is $7,200 for the firstt year and $7,300 for the second.
MTI gradsw have shown a good work have been in a workenvironmenrt already, and have practical knowledg they can apply, said Al McGorry, president of Capita Data Corp., a value-added reselledr of computers and networkinbg technology. "That's something that's really "They're getting a graduate who's going to come in and be right offthe bat, someone who will make a positive said John Zimmerman, president of MTI. Because they focua only on practical skills employerscan use, these schools requird less time to get a They also generally offer smaller class sizes, faculty members who work in the businese world, and flexible schedules.
Convenient locations and amplee parking are other qualities appreciated by who are often coming to school from theircurrenr jobs. Add to this the financial aid opportunities, job placemeng services, and the interactions and relationships colleges havewith employers, and you finis h with a package that works very well for peopler who don't want to wait four yearas for a degree. Upon graduation, studentds are finding that high-tech employers are eager to hire Heald College recently held its semiannualcareer fair, wher 44 companies met students and accepted applications. Hewlett-Packard Co., Level One Communications Inc.
, Apple Computer Electronic DataSystems Corp, IBM and others sent representatives. Packard Bell NEC was therw too, and Warwick said his recruitersreturnex happy. "We're always very impressed with the recruitinhg fairs that theyhave there. We go to just aboutg every oneof them," he said. Packard Bell NEC lookw to schools like Sac State and UC Davis to fill positionse like software design engineers andhardware engineers, Warwick said. But "wheh we're looking for technicians and lead peoplre for themanufacturing operation, I prefert to go to those schools.
" At the private postsecondary students can get diplomas, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and even master's degree s in some cases. Programs are offered in computer systems engineering, hardware support, and severap other disciplines. Most of the schools also offee training inother fields, such as business, or accounting. Many are addingv high-tech programs, and upgrading their computer labs andother facilities. They're also seeing enrollments grow. At MTI, enrollment jumped 20 percen tin 1997, Zimmerman said. About 1,00o students per year attend MTI now, and more are predictef for the future. The school recently bought more property, in order to expand.
MTI alreadh has opened two new buildingssince 1993. Last three new high-end computer labs were added. Zimmerma n said the school is also making more visitsto employers. MTI representativea meet with various companies, telling them about MTI' s programs and students. The school plans 80 such visitswthis year, up from 61 last MTI was founded in 1965 by Zimmerman's father, who initially trainecd people to use cash registers. Though the gear is differengt now, the spirit is the same. "That's what founded us: practical, employment-oriented training," Zimmerman said.
"Tha focus is still very true

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