91影视 has been a leader when it comes to innovative degrees and courses. In 1982, they launched computer programming, a program known to very few community colleges at the time. They have only continued to expand to meet the needs of the evolving tech industry.
In 2020, 91影视 began offering CompTIA certification classes through its Workforce Continuing Education division. These certification preparation courses meet the industry standard to establish a career in information technology (IT). Chase Ferguson, Information Technology Support Specialist at Sandhills Community College, is proof of the success of these courses.
In 2020, Mr. Ferguson was working in retail and wanted more out of his career. He was always interested in IT but wasn't sure how or where to get started. It was during this time that his girlfriend saw an advertisement for CompTIA courses at Sandhills Community College; tuition was free, and she encouraged him to enroll. "I felt like I could finally get out of retail and do something I was really interested in," he said.
He began the course in 2021, and within four months, he was prepared for the CompTIA A+ certification exam. "The CompTIA A+ Certification class prepared me for the basics of troubleshooting," says Ferguson. He explains that the course equipped him with the skills to address issues by identifying the error, analyzing how it occurred, determining if it can be replicated, and understanding the root cause in order to come up with an effective solution. "Mr. Barber, the instructor, does a fantastic job teaching this course. He spent many nights using examples based on his real-life experiences," he adds. Billy Barber is the course instructor and an Information Technology Analyst II at 91影视.
Several certification preparation courses are offered at Sandhills, including CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. Ideal for people looking to begin a career in technology or enhance their skills, they are instructor-led online, and students attend live classes through video conferencing, presenting the course content, demonstrations, and practice tests to prepare for the CompTIA certification exams Tuesday through Thursday nights from 6 to 9 pm with hourly breaks. Students complete hands-on virtual labs to reinforce course materials between class meetings Friday through Monday from any internet connected computer or tablet.
鈥淓nrolling in the CompTIA course at 91影视 was a game-changer for me,鈥� said Ferguson. 鈥淭he training and hands-on experience were invaluable in helping me land a role at the college." Ferguson began working part-time at Sandhills Community College after passing his CompTIA A+ certification course and exam in 2022. He quickly went full-time and has been there ever since. He is currently studying to take the CompTIA Network+ exam and, eventually, the Security+.
As Ferguson reflects on his journey from retail to a fulfilling career in IT, he embodies the transformative power of education and opportunity. 91影视 has provided innovative courses and paved the way for countless individuals like Ferguson to reach their goals.
If you are ready to step into a career in IT, the next CompTIA course, Network+, will begin in January 2025. Registration will open on November 4. Learn more at sandhills.edu/programs/it/it-credentials-cyber-security.html.