Organizations considering starting a new EmpowerNet information technology training program following the Stride Center approach should consider the following requirements:
Staff
The staff requirements for operating a training program can run a broad spectrum depending on the organization considering the concept. Considerations must be made for staff to execute the enrollment process, administer the program, deal with student issues, teach the class and support students post-graduation in their job search. For the purposes of this discussion, we focus on the instructional staff.
While each organization will ultimately make their own choices about the qualifications for instructional staff, the Stride Center has developed a standard that has proven effectiveness. Instructors will require 1 hour of class preparation time for every 3 to 4 hours of instruction. All technical instructors are required to have obtained the technical certification for their class. Experience as a trainer and particularly working with individuals with varying backgrounds and barriers to employment is a minimum requirement. All new Stride Center instructors are provided with several weeks of orientation and training to help prepare them.
Facility Requirements
Classroom space should be divided into two categories: Instructional space and lab exercise space.
The A+ course classroom should accommodate a computer space for each student as well as a large lab space with one work bench for every four students. With an average class size of 15 students, the instructional space will be no smaller than 600 Sq. Ft and the lab no smaller than 300 Sq. Ft.
Classroom space should, if at all possible, be made available for student use before and/or after class for studying, homework and study group sessions.
Equipment
Each student will require access to a computer during lecture and enough table space to have their books out and open for review. Software minimum requirements for the computers is Windows 7. Classrooms should be on a server environment, with basic networking equipment and students should have access to administrative rights for their network. This is essential for students to perform lab exercises in the server/network environment. Students will also require access to high speed internet for all levels of training.
In addition, instructional equipment should include a digital projector, laptop computer for the instructor and a white board.
If your organization meets the above requirements or have the ability to meet the requirements, we invite you to contact us to discuss starting an IT Training program for your community.
