Microsoft Office and IT Academy courses scheduled at VGCC


New training courses in computer software and hardware are set to be offered soon at Vance-Granville Community College, and grant funding can help eligible area residents pay for them. All of these courses will be offered in a “hybrid” format, with some coursework online and some on VGCC’s Main Campus during the evening.

The “Microsoft Office Specialist” course will be offered March 8-May 13, with the in-class component on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 until 8 p.m., taught by VGCC instructor Yolanda Yoder. This course introduces computer applications, with topics that include word processing, presentation software and spreadsheet creation and use. Following the culmination of each section — Introduction, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel — students will take an exam to receive a Microsoft Office Specialist certification.

Three other courses are being offered as part of an “IT Academy” — CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Server+. CompTIA is the Computing Technology Industry Association, which represents computer hardware and software manufacturers, distributors, retailers, telecommunications and Internet companies. The CompTIA certifications are internationally recognized and are required by most companies hiring information technology professionals. When students complete each course or module, they will take the appropriate certification exams.

The CompTIA A+ course covers the basic hardware of a personal computer including the installation, operating systems, upgrading/maintenance of both equipment and software, as well as troubleshooting and repairing non-functioning personal computers. The in-class component of this course is set for Tuesday evenings from 6 until 10 p.m., March 15 through April 19. VGCC instructor Donna Gill will teach the course.

CompTIA Network+ will also be taught by Gill and will introduce students to the networking field. Upon completion students should be able to perform tasks related to networking mathematics, terminology, models, media, Ethernet, sub-netting, and TCP/IP Protocols. For this course, the in-class component will be held on Tuesdays from 6 until 10 p.m., April 26 through May 31.

Finally, CompTIA Server+ covers the installation and administration of a Windows Server network operating system. VGCC instructor Gerald Young will teach students about managing and maintaining physical and logical devices, access to resources, the server environment, managing users, computers, and groups and managing/implementing disaster recovery. The in-class component is set for Tuesdays from 6 until 10 p.m., June 7 through July 19, with no class on July 4.

All four courses are approved for funding through the “NCWorks Job Driven Initiative” (JDI) grant. VGCC’s programs as part of the JDI are all designed to lead to industry-recognized or state-regulated credentials, and to prepare students for various entry-level jobs that address the needs of local employers.

Registration is $187 per course, with some courses having required textbooks and exam fees.

Scholarships that will pay for registration fees, certification fees, books and necessary supplies are available to students who qualify through the JDI grant. Students receiving such funding through this grant must attend an HRD/Pathways to Your Career course, on Saturdays, March 5, 12 and 19. Participants must also have either a high school diploma or high school equivalency.

Since space is limited, prospective students are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Registration can be completed online at www.vgcc.edu/oex or in person at any VGCC campus.

For more information, contact JDI Grant Coach Connie Ragland at raglandc@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3452.