The information technology field keeps expanding — and with it, career possibilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 357,000 job openings are projected in the IT field each year between now and 2033. With that many IT professionals, you could fill up MetLife Stadium, the largest NFL arena in the United States, over four times . Talk about job opportunities!
But these opportunities are available only if your students have the skills employers need. Your job? Make sure they’re prepared. CERTIFIED Ambassador and veteran IT educator Jessie Kalloo, a seasoned CTE instructor and program approval coordinator at Thomas A. Edison Career and Technical Education High School, shares his strategies for equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in IT roles.
Start with the foundation
All buildings need a strong foundation. Your learners’ skills are no different. Preparing students for IT careers means focusing on building a solid foundation in digital literacy. But according to the National Skills Coalition 25 percent of workers with no foundational digital skills were between the ages of 16 and 34 — people born into the digital age! Your students don’t need to be among them. Starting with entry-level digital skills certifications can help.
"I like to tell educators to start off with the IC3 Digital Literacy certification for any IT program. From there, your learners can move up any IT pathway, whether it's cyber, networking, or IT support," said Jessie.
Your learners can’t progress to complex IT concepts without a strong digital foundation. Lay the groundwork. Cover the basics. Give your learners a fundamental understanding of technology, and then they’ll be ready to explore the wide world of IT possibilities.
Build from the bottom, up
You’ve covered the basics. Now it’s time to build on that knowledge by gradually increasing the complexity of the material you cover. Building from the bottom, up in your courses helps ensure that each learner understands essential IT principles before moving on to more complex concepts.
Certifications create natural levels for your course material. Jessie recommends starting with entry-level certifications and progressively introducing more advanced topics. For instance, students might begin with the IC3 Digital Literacy certification and then move on to more specialized certifications such as IT Specialist certifications, Cisco Certified Support Technician certifications, and more.
However, dialing up the complexity is only one piece of the puzzle. The industry is focusing on specific skills in specific technologies. Make sure your classroom mirrors those needs. Use the same devices and software that your students will use in their careers.
"If I'm learning how to configure a MacBook while using a Chromebook, I don't think I'm going to be successful,” commented Jessie. Providing students with access to the relevant technologies helps them build confidence and competence in using the tools of the trade.
Keep it hands-on and learner-driven
Constructing a tower means getting into the materials and stacking those blocks. Building your learners’ IT knowledge should be equally hands-on. Focus on a project-based approach to learning to keep your students engaged, especially when dealing with the theoretical aspects of IT.
"I try my best to have a very hands-on, project-based approach in the classroom, putting them in shoes of a technician every single day,” said Jessie. “I want my students to feel like they’re coming to work when they come to class."
This approach makes the learning process more engaging and relevant. Not only do you help students retain information, but you also prepare them for the types of tasks they will encounter in their career. You can also further engage your students by asking for feedback. Find out what they want to learn. Allow students to explore their interests and take responsibility for their curriculum. Foster a sense of ownership and motivation, mirroring the autonomy and initiative required in their future IT jobs.
Connect with industry
You’ve built your learners’ digital skills foundation. You’ve expanded their knowledge and skills. You’re giving them real-life projects that they’re excited to tackle. What’s next? It’s time to expand their learning outside your classroom walls.
Keep a pulse on what’s happening in the IT industry, whether that’s in the news or what’s happening with companies in your area. This not only helps you keep your curriculum relevant, it’s also a chance for industry partners to share what skills they need from future employees.
“Bring labor market data to your administration. Have your community industry partners hold meetings with your leadership,” said Jessie. “Administrators need to see what companies are looking for in future hires.”
Industry partnerships help garner support from your administration. They can also create opportunities for your students to see IT skills being used in the workplace. "At our school,” Jessie noted, “we do a lot of career exploration events. We take our learners to visit different companies; we host panel discussions and career days too. It’s so helpful when the students can interact with professionals."
These experiences give students a firsthand look at what their future careers could look like, expanding their vision for job opportunities they might not have considered.
What’s next?
Ready to expand your learners’ career opportunities? Get more ideas for preparing students for their future IT careers here.