IT-Ready training program graduates class of 20 students

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Apr 24, 2014, 10:30 ET

MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- IT-Ready, a nonprofit program of the Creating IT Futures Foundation and Per Scholas Inc., recently graduated 20 new information technology (IT) professionals in Minneapolis / St. Paul.

Several graduates already have been placed into paid, six-month apprenticeships with local corporations. All 20 graduates successfully earned their CompTIA A+ certification, a credential recognized throughout the IT industry as the leading certification for IT support technicians.

Creating IT Futures Foundation Logo. (PRNewsFoto/Creating IT Futures Foundation) (PRNewsFoto/Creating IT Futures Foundation) (PRNewsFoto/Creating IT Futures Foundation) (PRNewsFoto/Creating IT Futures Foundation)

IT-Ready is a free, eight-week, hands-on educational and training program that prepares for the CompTIA A+ certification exams and entry-level IT jobs at area companies.

Medica, Medtronic, HealthPartners and TEKsystems are just some of the Twin Cities companies that hire IT-Ready graduates.

Graduates spanned the ages of 19 to 57 and even included a father-son duo.

"I came to IT-Ready not knowing much of anything about computers, and I left the program CompTIA A+ certified," said Isaac Fedick, 25, of Coon Rapids, MN.

Scott Buffie, 57, of Minneapolis, struggled to pay his mortgage since having to quit working in construction due to a spinal-fusion operation three years ago. His job counselor at the Jewish Family and Children's Service of Minneapolis recommended that he apply to IT-Ready as a pathway to a sustainable career.

"Information technology is similar to construction, in that you need to establish a good foundation," Buffie said. "Once you have a good foundation in computers, you can build on that for a career."

Buffie's son, Josh Buffie, 27, of Burnsville, learned about the program from his father and decided to leverage the program to move away from sales. He thought a tech career might offer more upward career mobility.

"Wherever I've worked, I've been the go-to technology guy, even when there was an IT department," he said.

Both the Creating IT Futures Foundation and Per Scholas are national, nonprofit organizations that provide free, high-quality education to the unemployed, as well as populations of people under-represented within the IT industry, such as women, ethnic minorities and veterans. Together, the two organizations are collaborating to expand the IT-Ready Program to more U.S. cities.

The IT-Ready Program teaches participants IT industry skills such as building a computer from parts, installing software, troubleshooting problems and setting up and managing networks. They also learn "softer" professional skills such as communication and job interviewing.

The IT-Ready Program in Minneapolis / St. Paul has operated since 2012. The next IT-Ready class convenes July 7. People interested in applying or learning more about the program are encouraged to visit www.ITReady.com.

The Creating IT Futures Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charity with the mission of helping individuals in need and populations under-represented in the information-technology industry to prepare for, secure, and be successful in IT careers. Learn more at www.creatingITfutures.org.

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SOURCE Creating IT Futures Foundation