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CCCC telecommunications, networking programs train for good careers

04.08.2014 • College & Community, College General, Curriculum Programs, Students/Graduates

SANFORD - Amanda Hernandez stopped by Central Carolina Community College's North Carolina School of Telecommunications (NCST) recently to share some good news with her friends and instructors.

Hernandez, a Fuquay-Varina resident and graduate of the school's Networking Technology program, could barely contain her excitement at being hired as a network support technician for Red Hat, the world's leading open source software developer.

"It feels great to achieve this personal goal," Hernandez said. "I've always been able to land good jobs, but I realized that what I really wanted was to study networking, to learn how computers talk to each other and how I can make them communicate. It is something that is needed and will always be around."

A division of Central Carolina Community College, the N.C. School of Telecommunications offers both Telecommunications Installation and Maintenance and Networking Technology programs designed specifically for today's workforce. In addition, a strong partnership exists between the North Carolina Telecommunications Industry Association and the NCST. This partnership offers NCST students a unique connection with industry leaders and insight into emerging technologies.

A hands-on, high-tech curriculum, Telecommunications Installation and Maintenance trains students on industry-standard cable splicers, fault locators, fiber testers and DMS-10 central office switches. Students can earn a Telecommunications diploma or certificate and receive a good salary in many areas of the telecommunications industry, including telephone companies and other corporate entities in which efficient communication is the number-one priority.

The Networking Technology component of the NCST provides accelerated training in networking and computing skills. Networking professionals install and configure computer equipment. The program familiarizes students with networking technology, operating systems, computer programming and logic and database concepts. Students also receive specialized training in network system integration, management, maintenance and support.

The program offers a two-year associate degree and a diploma in Networking Technology and certificates in Network Operating System, Networking Infrastructure (Cisco), Networking Security and Voice Over IP. Selected certificate programs can be completed in two semesters.

In addition, network and computer operating systems, computer diagnostics, and cabling infrastructure are studied with an emphasis on routing and switching. Students receive training in Microsoft, UNIX/Linux, Cisco Networking, advanced diagnostics, and A+ certification preparation.

Networking graduates can find well-paying positions in many areas, including network administration, network specialist, control operator, communications technician, microcomputer support specialist and others. Networking students may register and take certification tests, including the CCNA, Network+, Security+, and A+ at reduced costs at CCCC's Lee County Campus, an authorized testing site.

The ultimate goals of the N.C. School of Telecommunications are to grow the programs from year to year, according to Mike Murray, chair of the college's Networking and Telecommunications Department.

"The most pressing objective is to stay current with the latest technology so that our students will be prepared to enter the work force as productive members of whatever industry team they join," he said.

Hernandez said the Telecommunications and Networking Technology programs at NCST are challenging, but worth the effort.

"You always had to be studying," she said. "But through that tremendous amount of effort, I learned how to research, how to have confidence in what I know and to achieve my long-term career goals."

The Telecommunications and Networking Technology programs are offered at the North Carolina School of Telecommunications, 5910 Clyde Rhyne Drive, Sanford, in the Lee County Industrial Park. For more information, contact Mike Murray at 919-776-5812, ext. 7081 or e-mail him at mmurray@cccc.edu. Information is also available at the college's website, www.cccc.edu.

CCCC telecommunications, networking programs train for good careers

Central Carolina Community College students (left) Lenwood House, of Fayetteville, and William F. Monahan (right), of Sanford, are learning highly marketable technical skills in telecommunications from Mike Murray (center), chair of the college's Networking and Telecommunications Department, and other instructors. The college offers Telecommunications Installation and Maintenance and Networking Technology programs at the North Carolina School of Telecommunications, 5910 Clyde Rhyne Drive, in the Lee County Industrial Park. For more information, contact Murray at 919-776-5812, ext. 7081, or by email at mmurray@cccc.edu. Information is also available at the college's website, www.cccc.edu.

CCCC telecommunications, networking programs train for good careers

Amanda Hernandez, of Fuquay-Varina, graduated from Central Carolina Community College's North Carolina School of Telecommunications (NCST) and is now working for a leading provider of open source hardware. The college offers Telecommunications Installation and Maintenance and Networking Technology programs at the North Carolina School of Telecommunications, 5910 Clyde Rhyne Drive, in the Lee County Industrial Park. For more information, contact Mike Murray at 919-776-5812, ext. 7081, or by email at mmurray@cccc.edu. Information is also available at the college's website, www.cccc.edu.