All posts by Susan Biszewski-Eber

SPC host FL IT Apprenticeship event on April 20

Potential Apprenticeship Employers
College of Computer and Information Technology

Nationally in the technology industry, there’s a skills gap that needs to be filled.

St. Petersburg College, along with Florida State College in Jacksonville and Broward College, received a five million dollar Department of Labor grant to address this issue by offering apprenticeships. This unique onboarding process is designed to grow talent, pass along workplace knowledge and retain employees.

 

Apprenticeship EventSPC will host The Florida Information Technology Apprenticeship Dialogue from:

7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday, April 20
St. Petersburg College EpiCenter
13805 58th Street North
Clearwater, FL 33760

Networking starts at 7:30 a.m. and the panel discussion will begin at 8 a.m. Panelists include IBM and Advanced Automation Consulting. Topics will include:

  • How can apprenticeships be the workforce solution for the IT Industry?
  • What is the ROI on using the apprenticeship model?
  • Are there existing incentives to provide additional training funds?
  • What proof of concepts exists in the IT industry?

Apprenticeships work and we can make it effortless for you!

Apprenticeships have always existed in manufacturing and trade industries in the United States. However, in other parts of the world, apprenticeships extend beyond these industries to include the technology field. Before leaving office, Former President Obama signed the apprenticeship bill to bring 90 million dollars over the next five years to new and growing industries.

This incentive is in place to make the process easier for employers. Currently, any company that wishes to register for the apprenticeship program is eligible to receive $1,200 per apprentice to offset training costs.

Employer input

As an employer trying to staff their IT workforce, a number of channels for identifying, acquiring and retaining talent are available today.  Some of these channels are more efficient and cost effective than others and only one stands out in terms of ROI and retention of skilled workers and that is an apprenticeship model.  

The event being held in St. Petersburg on April 20th will serve as an excellent chance for employers to fully understand the apprenticeship strategy and become aware of some of the incentives available to employers that exist today.  

Reps from employers around the country that have been successful with this program in IT occupations will be here.  They will provide first-hand testimony and subject matter expertise around 12 different IT occupations that have emerged as the most apprenticeship ready across the IT profession in every industry vertical.  Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and identify your next steps.

Lonnie Emard
National Director of Talent Development
Advanced Automation Consulting

Solve your talent gap problem in one morning!

Find out how an apprenticeship model could be the solution for your recruiting and hiring needs. For more information please contact Susan Biszewski-Eber at biszewskieber.susan@spcollege.edu or 727-398-8469.

To RSVP: http://web.spcollege.edu/survey/23546

Learn more about St. Petersburg College’s Information Technology Degrees.

Free tech support for SPC students

College of Computer and Information Technology, internships

The idea of free tech support provided to SPC students at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Geek Bar was so successful last summer that the campus Student Government Association (SGA) decided to provide funds to pay student interns to keep up the good work.

Geek Bar provides free tech support
SPC St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Student Government Association members.

Free tech support promotes student success

It is almost impossible to participate in education without a computer.  And computers for non-techies can be challenging and frustrating.  When a student is up against a deadline and their computer quits or slows down – it can keep them from passing the class.

The Geek Bar, providing free tech support to students who are experiencing issues with their computer, was piloted on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus last summer with a Technology Student Intern providing the needed expertise. Within a few weeks after opening, students were coming to the Geek Bar intern with virus issues, problems with software installation as well as questions about uploading and downloading documents.

Technology interns staff Geek Bar

The Geek Bar interns are getting hands-on training in customer service and at the same time, providing a valuable service that promotes student success. Each semester more than 35 talented College of Computer and Information Technology students seek internships as a part of their A.S. degree completion.  This number has been steadily growing since 2010 when the program began. Currently all SPC technology A.S. Degree programs require a three credit hour (180 contact hour) end of program assessment. Learn more about SPC’s Student Internship opportunities.

The skill level and the demand for the students in the program is also growing among employers in Tampa Bay.  Administration at SPC raised the question: How can the college benefit from the talent we are sending out into the community?

SGA funds Geek Bar

Once the concept was shared with the SGA, they immediately understood the benefits this service could be for students to be successful.  They identified a budget and included it in their proposal for the 2016/2017 school year.  It was approved and the initiative went from pilot project to a paid internship.  CCIT Intern Alexander Uzzo was brought on as the resident geek on site for the fall term.

St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus Provost Jamelle Conner and Dr. Sharon Setterlind, Dean of the College of Computer and Information Technology, were on hand at the ribbon cutting along with more than 30 SPC students and staff.  Students are using the service and are happy to have a go-to resource when they are experiencing troubles with their computers.  Additionally, faculty now have a resource to suggest for students struggling with technology.

Located on the second floor of the Library, the Geek Bar offers free tech support on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is service is only available to SPC students with a valid student ID.

The Geek Bar has been so successful that other campuses are interested in providing students access to this valuable resource. SPC’s commitment to these types of initiatives is evidence of the college mission to promote student success.

Women in Technology International honors SPC students

College of Computer and Information Technology

Women in Technology International (Tampa Bay Chapter) honored three St. Petersburg College technology students with scholarships at their Geek Glam 2016 event on Thursday, Oct. 6.

Women in Technology International scholarship winnersMelissa Gardner (left), Gina Baker (middle) and Terryn LeMaster (right) were selected out of 13 applicants by the Women in Technology International Board as the 2016 scholarship winners.  The students each received a $1,000 award for the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters.

Women in Technology annual fashion event

Each year Women in Technology International (WITI) holds a fashion runway event featuring WITI members as models.  This year Black Market/White House and Banana Republic outfitted the members in fine fashion.  Additionally, the event features a silent auction, a vendor fair of jewelry, art and luxurious bath items.  WITI members select a non-profit to receive the proceeds from the auction and vendor fair.

In summer 2015, Kim Rankin, President of the Women In Technology International Tampa Chapter and Senior Talent Scout at PSCU approached St. Petersburg College Technology Dean Sharon Setterlind to talk about setting up a scholarship fund for female students in the SPC’s College of Computer and Information Technology. Several students attended Geek Glam 2015 including Gina Baker and assisted as volunteers.  Last year’s event yielded over $5000.00  The WITI Board worked closely with the SPC Foundation Office to develop standards and guidelines for choosing the winners who would be honored at Geek Glam 2016.

Students given free membership to Women in Technology International

In addition to the scholarship, each student was gifted with a year membership to WITI, a beautifully inscribed glass paperweight with their name and achievement and a certificate. The students were presented to the audience and each had an opportunity to thank the members for the honor of the scholarship.  Melissa, Gina and Terryn expressed their gratitude and told their individual story of what the honor meant.  Their stories held a similar thread  – because of the scholarship  – they were able to take classes this year. They also talked about their dreams and their desire to be the new face of technology.  The applause was genuine and supportive as Kim reminded all to bid high and bid often on the auction items so that WITI can continue the good work of supporting women in technology.  Because of their strong commitment to women in technology, the board chose once again to forward proceeds from the 2016 event to SPC women in information technology programs.

Melissa, Gina and Terryn will be honored again at the Women in Technology Event on SPC’s St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus on Thursday, Oct. 27. Get details and reserve your spot for this year’s Women in Technology event.

Women in Technology event coming to SPC on Oct. 27

SPC Women in Technology event
College of Computer and Information Technology, Technology Events

The College of Computer and Information Technology at St. Petersburg College will host the first Women in Technology Career Exploration and Networking event at the SPC St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus on Thursday, Oct. 27, from 5:30-8 p.m.

Workforce data shows the number of women in the technology field is dropping each year and the dean, faculty and staff of the College of Computer and Information Technology want to talk about it!

“While engineering and computer-related fields are some of the fastest growing fields in the United States, women only hold about one-quarter or less of those positions.”  DoSomething.org

Panelists for Women in Technology event

Moderated by state Rep. Kathleen Peters, a panel of some of the Tampa Bay area’s most influential women in the technology industry will discuss what women bring to the industry, the need for diversity in this fast-growing field and the perks of being a techie.

Panelists include Angie Beltz, Vice President, Cisco Global Strategy at Tech Data;  Sarrah Vesselov, a UI/UX Developer; and Director for the Tampa Women Who Code Chapter Christa Pusateri, Cybersecruity Executive Connector & President of ISSA Tampa Bay.

Women in Technology event details

The event will be held in the SS Building at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus and runs from 5:30 – 8 p.m.  Networking with light refreshments begins at 5:30pm.  The panelists take the stage at 6 p.m.  After the discussion, participants will have an opportunity to network and speak with employers and non-profits that include: Women Who Code, Girls Develop it, Power Design, Netwolves, Tech Data, Cisco, TekSystems and more.

RSVP or get more information

RSVP online for this event. For more information, contact Joy Carta at carta.joy@spcollege.edu or 727-341-3681.

About the SPC College of Computer and Information Technology

This college at SPC provides guided pathways for degrees and certificates in a number of areas and a bachelor’s degree in technology management. It offers state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment and advanced and specialized classes in online or traditional classroom settings. The program works with SPC’s Technology Advisory Committee, made of professionals within the community who provide oversight and ensure the college’s programs remain relevant and effective, keeping up with the rapid changes in today’s IT industry.

New Geek Bar gives students additional tech support

College of Computer and Information Technology, online learning, Technology Internships

St. Petersburg College’s Geek Bar is a new program piloted this summer on the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus where student technology interns use their skills to help students solve common computer issues.

SPC Geek Bar

Geek Bar helps students solve computer problems

A collaborative effort between the College of Computer and Information Technology (CCIT) Internship Program and the St. Petersburg/Gibbs library staff, SPC students can visit the Geek Bar for technical support like:

  • Software installation
  • Virus removal
  • Computer checkup
  • Windows updates
  • Microsoft Office help
  • Web help
  • Phone and tablet help

Whether students are in face to face, blended or 100 percent online classes, computers are an essential tool and integral to successfully completing coursework at St. Petersburg College. While SPC currently provides free software and online assistance via the Student Help Desk, offering additional support is an added benefit for students.

When the question about challenges students encounter on the campus was posed, Lynn McCormick-McDonald, Library Program Director, explained how students frequently approach the library staff with questions about uploading documents and downloading software onto their personal computers.  Additionally, while the basic computer literacy course addresses some information – students still encounter computer viruses.

Each semester CCIT produces high qualified talented students who intern with various employers throughout the Tampa Bay area.  During the last year, the question was posed: “Why don’t we use some of this talent at the college?”  And so, this spring campuses began utilizing student interns to work in technical support.

The Geek Bar was another effort to effectively use our student talent. The pilot program has been successful and is looking to expand to the other campuses this fall.  Stay tuned for more information.

It’s all about connections: Information Technology Info Session & 3rd Annual CCIT Career Exploration Event

EpiCenter
College of Computer and Information Technology

The technology workforce in the Tampa Bay area is growing steadily. Companies are looking for talented, innovative problem solvers.  So how do you connect with jobs like that?  St. Petersburg College has a dynamic program, phenomenal faculty, an innovative internship program and a high-powered Advisory Committee that can help.

Information TechnologyThis April students and the Tampa Bay community are invited to attend two amazing events to learn what makes SPC IT programs unique, accessible and progressive – to find what employers are looking for in an employee and to discover opportunities that exist in the current IT job market in Tampa Bay.

College of Computer & Information Technology Information Session

On Wednesday, April 6, from 5:30 – 7 p.m.  Dr. Sharon Setterlind, Dean of the College of Computer and Information Technology, will talk about pathways to success through the certifications, A.S. degrees and B.A.S. degree in Technology Development and Management.  This is a great opportunity to learn about the A.S. degree programs and required internship that have helped many students successfully find employment as well as our affordable, innovative bachelor program. You will have the opportunity to speak with an advisor, faculty and the dean.  This informative workshop will be held at the EpiCenter, 13805 58th Street North, Clearwater, in Room 2-451.  To reserve your seat, RSVP online.

3rd Annual CCIT Career Exploration Event

Then, on Thursday, April 14, from 6 – 8 p.m. the 3rd Annual CCIT Career Exploration Event will be held at the Seminole Campus in the Conference Center.  This event will feature a panel of chief information officers and company presidents who will address what employers are looking for in IT staff and how to become part of the IT workforce.  Finally, after this exciting keynote presentation and panel, there will be an chance to meet face-to-face with a number of Tampa Bay area employers and talk about opportunities at their companies and how to break into the field. Seating is limited! RSVP online today!

So, come dressed for success and bring that resume!  Because it’s all about connections!

 

Technology career exploration at SPC’s Seminole Campus

College of Computer and Information Technology, expo

St. Petersburg College offers STEM ScholarshipsOn April 14, SPC’s Seminole Campus will host the third College of Computer & Information Technology Career Exploration Event. The last event brought in over 150 participants. The first hour will feature a Q&A with a panel of distinguished IT professionals addressing industry hiring trends and recommendations on how to break into the IT field.

CCIT Career Exploration provides networking opportunity

Following the panel discussion, you will have the opportunity to network with fifteen employers.  This is an excellent opportunity for students and alumni who are seeking internships or employment and would like to have an information interview to learn more about the IT field. Resumes and dressing for success are recommended.

Event details:

Thursday, April 14, 2016

St. Petersburg College, Seminole Campus

9200 113th St N

Seminole, FL 33772

Conference Center

6-8 pm

For more information, please contact Lynn Rohling at 727-341-4724.

RSVP today!

 

SPC campus to host hiring event with Frontier Communications

College of Computer and Information Technology, Networking

frontierNetwork engineers should plan on attending the upcoming Frontier Communications hiring event, scheduled in November at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

St. Petersburg College is hosting the event with Frontier Communications, which has acquired cable and internet services in Florida from Verizon. The company now is looking to hire 200 people in computer engineering and customer support areas from the Tampa Bay area.

The event will be held over a two-day period at the campus:

  • Tuesday, Nov., 17, from noon – 2:30 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 18, from noon – 2:30 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.

Read more about the event on the college’s Career and Internships blog.

Learn more about earning an associate degree in computer networking at SPC on the college’s website.

 

SPC hosts internship workshop Nov. 12

College of Computer and Information Technology

St. Petersburg College will host an Internship Workshop on Thursday, Nov. 12. Don’t miss the last opportunity to prepare for internships for spring term. Event details include:

Thursday, November 12, 2015
Noon-3 pm
St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus, AD-180

More than 50 students applied for internships for spring. Faculty are asked to spread the word to help promote this great event.

This workshop will have limited seating and will include refreshments, so please reserve your spot online.

During the event, pictures will be taken for LinkedIn accounts. Spaces for this professional photography shoot are limited. If you are interested in participating, please call Susan Biszewski-Eber at 727-398-8469 or Biszewskieber.susan@spcollege.edu.