Academy anchors tech workers

University's continuing education program keeps students current on industry updates

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas' IT Academy, 851 E. Tropicana Ave., provides a spot for those already working in computers as well as those who are interested in becoming part of the constantly changing technology field.

Established several years ago as a course for continuing university education, the program offers Microsoft certification in several areas, including those related to database administration and systems engineering.

Brett Jay, primary instructor for the academy, said the skills offered at the IT Academy are invaluable to everyone who acquires them, particularly those who didn't have a place to learn the skills before the academy opened.

"This is not basic computer operations," he said. "But for students with a (management information system) degree as well as people who have been in the field, it fills that gap of knowledge. Every three years, training needs to be totally revamped."

Jay, who said that his love of gadgets is what initially drew him into the computer industry, said the technology is so advanced, operations that used to take a very long time and were too expensive for companies hoping to update their systems now take only a short time. Companies who send their employees through a certification process at the IT Academy are saving time, which equates to saving money, as well.

"We can rapidly deploy things that used to take a long time to do," Jay said. "Companies that used to spend thousands of dollars hiring someone for months, spend considerably less hiring someone to do the same thing, if not a more advanced version of it."

Jay said the biggest benefits of the academy can be seen in medium-sized businesses, or those with more than 20 and fewer than 200 employees.

"It used to be that only large corporations could afford to have this type of technology, so this was an untapped market," he said. "Now we can integrate things such as order processes and free them up from paper-pushing."

Classes are designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults. Most courses run from 6 to 9 p.m., lasting anywhere from three sessions to five months and are offered year-round.

Jay said hands-on training is one of the most important aspects of the program.

"It isn't just about getting students into class," he said. "We're trying to get them out into the community as well. There's a huge difference between being book smart and being able to put these things together."

Those interested can call 655-8292 or visit www.unlvitacademy.com.


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