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<\/a>Duncan says that the course is designed as a comprehensive balance to give students the familiarity they need to succeed in their careers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s an equal distribution between theory and hands-on experience,\u201d he says. \u201cThere\u2019s a lot of time spent in the lab on hands-on… It really is important that students actually physically implement these technologies, play with the tools, use the software, use the systems they\u2019re going to actually see in the industry, and that\u2019s going to give them the skills and the confidence to be able to take on these very important tasks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan says that students will become familiar on a hardware and software level, as well as gain experience with coding and network technology.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s basically configuring the systems, writing scripts, coding where needed, and assembling systems based on the individual building blocks, computer servers, and network routers,\u201d he says. \u201cStudents get two courses basically using Python, they do a bunch of scripting to configure systems, so there are definitely software elements, and when you get into cloud computing, which is a whole new area, of how to advise when to switch from localized servers to cloud-based servers, and what the issues are around those.\u201d<\/p>\n
Depending on how deeply they want to dive, students can take the full two-year program and receive a Technology diploma, or leave after the first year with a Technician\u2019s certificate. Duncan says students can certainly set their sights on careers with large tech companies, but the skills learned in the program can also be applied on a consumer level, because there\u2019s demand for skilled technicians in both areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny user of a computer or phone system these days has to be aware of phishing emails, those sort of things, you know, that\u2019s a way of a bad person to gain access to a system,\u201d says Duncan. \u201cThere\u2019s security that needs to be thought of right from the get-go. Our students actually will be able to analyze and find weaknesses in systems, because, essentially, they do what\u2019s called penetrative testing, where you basically try and attack your own system, so you can then determine where the weaknesses are and what needs to be bolstered and what needs to be reconfigured.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan advises students that while the program will not be a walk in the park, it will pay dividends to those who are dedicated.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not going to be an easy certificate, you\u2019ll actually have to work at it, but the value you\u2019re going to get from it in the end is huge, because you\u2019re learning all this new current technology, and there\u2019s huge demand for people that actually have specific training in cybersecurity,\u201d he says. \u201cI think we\u2019ve got a unique solution that will do our potential students very well, and we\u2019re very excited to be able to offer it.\u201d<\/p>\n