Information Technology Consortium and Career Fair Recap – May 3, 2022
Did you miss the Information Technology Consortium and Career Fair?
A recent Information Technology Consortium meeting was held in partnership with CareerSource Brevard and New Horizons. The event was hosted by Hotel Melby and was attended by 30 employers, educators, workforce development partners and community stakeholders to gain and share insight on information technology talent recruitment needs and talent development options.
Consortium Highlights:
- Grace Svitak-Norton, with Career and Technical Education at Brevard Public Schools, informed about several technical training programs offered at the high schools. They are seeking internship opportunities for junior and senior CTE students. As state standards for technical instruction are updated, Grace advised employers to participate on Career and Technical Education advisory boards to provide guidance on what should be taught.
- Chet Wisniewski of New Horizons, reported that New Horizons has evolved training content and delivery over time to continue to meet industry needs, works with individuals and businesses, and encouraged Consortium participants to look into CareerSource Brevard’s training grants to offset costs. During the pandemic, it was identified that business/soft skills development was needed for some key employees, so they expanded training to address this issue. Testing at home and remote training was offered as a result of the pandemic, but they are moving toward more hybrid training and in-person testing options.
- Aurora Irizarry of Webster University, informed about Computer Science-related undergraduate, master’s and certificate programs. Customized training options are also available. Their programs are sought out internationally.
- Bill Davis of IM Solutions, an IT audio visual company, reported that it is a challenge to locate talent because local training is not offered. Often workers they train move on to other organizations that can afford to offer higher pay. IT training typically focuses on computer skills, but emphasis also needs to be placed on technical system skills. He hires for cultural fit then provides on-the-job training for technical skill development. Soft skills, general construction skills and OSHA safety are needed.
- Eric Sullivan of Indian River Networks, hosts interns from BAC, Eastern Florida State College and New Horizons. Lives change because the skills gained gives them the ability to earn more. He has addressed staffing challenges utilizing CareerSource Brevard’s OJT program and has been impressed by the quality of candidates sourced through CareerSource Brevard. They hire people-fit first, then credentials.
- Brian Jaskiewicz of Space Coast Intelligent Solutions, Inc. reported that their business has evolved from software development to cybersecurity. Bankruptcy and medical marijuana usage can negatively impact security clearance. Their business seeks team players.
Handouts:
Get Involved:
Contact Deserine Morgan, Business Liaison, [email protected], (321) 394-0598.