NEWARK, NJ — Essex County College is offering training in fast-growing tech careers this fall, with funding available for qualified students through a grant from the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership program. The program aims to equip students with in-demand knowledge and skills supporting employment and a pathway for lifelong careers upon graduation.
“The $90,000 Johnson Controls grant will allow us to expand offerings into the information technology sector, and provide certification programs for IT and help desk careers,” said Mitra Choudhury, the college’s director of workforce development.
The 15-week courses will focus on A+ certification and IT fundamental training, Choudhury said. The classes, with instruction both in-person and online, will be offered during the day and in the evening. The training is scheduled to begin later this fall. Choudhury said that the grant will provide free training for students who are categorized as underserved, unemployed, low-income, minority and female.
Registration information is available from Adelaide Ramos Lopez at 973-877-3341 or Tanya Wright at 973-877-3012.
ECC is one of 10 community colleges nationwide receiving grants for the 2021-2022 academic year. The grant is provided by Johnson Controls in an effort to expand associate degree and certificate programs in areas where the U.S. Bureau of Labor is predicting an increased need for skilled trades expertise in the coming years.
In addition to the funding, Johnson Controls employees will support the college through volunteering and mentorships, providing students with real-world experience, internship opportunities and professional networking connections.
“We are very grateful to be participating in the Johnson Controls Community College Partnership program. The materials and training our students will receive will provide them with outstanding long-term career opportunities,” ECC interim President Augustine A. Boakye said.
ECC’s participation in the Johnson Controls program also enables the college to create a partnership with Computing Technology Industry Association to expand IT certification programs for careers in IT and help desk positions.
“The courses, coupled with possible internships, will propel students toward lucrative careers in the IT field,” said Elvy Vieira, dean of community, continuing education and workforce development.
“We believe the program will empower people to build lifelong careers that will transform their lives and the city,” said Grady Crosby, vice president of public affairs and chief diversity officer at Johnson Controls. “Just as smart, healthy buildings are critical to our well-being, well-educated and trained technicians are crucial to keeping our environments operating safely and efficiently. As a leader in the building industry for over a century, Johnson Controls is honored to share our expertise with the country’s leading community colleges.”
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