The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) Open House for the Network and Systems Administrator Program was the public's first look at the newly renovated learning space in Boundary Trails Place, for the new program aimed at filling a need for IT professionals in the area.
The Open House
Program Manager, ICT and Skilled Trades, MITT, Jared Miskimmin, oversees the program and was pleased to announce that, so far, eleven students are enrolled in the first-time course offered in Southern Manitoba.
"So, it's a beautiful space, as you can see. It's been about a year to get here. When we first took a tour of this place, it was completely gutted, so there was absolutely nothing in here, and it was transformed mostly with the help of the City of Morden to generate the space that you see here today."
The Open House was an opportunity for enrolled students to see their classroom, meet the instructor Victor Chavez, and find answers to questions. It also gave those who have heard about the program and are undecided a chance to learn more before deciding to enroll in the 16-month program, which includes a 15-week practicum with local business partners. It also gave industry partners, such as city staff and council, education partners, and those in the IT industry a chance to see the newly renovated classroom and meet with students and MITT staff.
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"So, companies like Valley Fiber have agreed to work with us," Miskimmin added, "So, we're hoping to send students there to have their own job experience."
Students are excited for classes to start
"We've actually had a student who's been touring this two times already because he's so excited about joining the program after seeing what the space looks like. And I think a lot of people are just really excited about the opportunity that there's a post-secondary offering here in Morden where they don't have to drive into the city." -Program Manager, ICT and Skilled Trades, MITT Jared Miskimmin
The teacher gives an overview
Victor Chavez, Instructor, Morden Network and Systems Administrator program, MITT, described the ideal student to take this course.
"They just need to be really interested in it. And as soon as they come, they will start learning immediately. Starting from day one."
He outlined the course.
"For the first term, they're going to do all the lectures, all the fundamentals. They need to read a lot. We also have some homework, but then starting on term 2, they're going to start playing with the devices. We have a big bunch of devices right here...And then when they finish that, they go to their practicum. That's a 15-week practicum, so we have the connections with the companies, between the companies and MITT, and then we send them to those companies."
A place for our kids to stay after high school
City of Morden Economic Development Officer Jason Dyck is pleased with one more post-secondary opportunity for the city.
"This is something the city council has strongly backed, with support from Mayor Penner and the administration. We have a strategic focus on supporting skill and talent development in our area. We want to see our youth stay in the Pembina Valley and not be forced to go to urban centers for their education when they would love to live and raise their families here. But so many students leave and never come back when they go to Winnipeg. And so, to grow, this is part of a concerted strategy; it's starting with things like the licensed practical nursing program with the Assiniboine Community College and the certified childcare assistant programs that we've also brought recently. This is really the cherry on top. It's one that we hope to see offered year after year and hopefully grow the presence of post-secondary options in the region, retain our youth, and support our employers."
Meet one of the students
Marlon Tolfo lives in Altona and is currently employed at Friesens Corporation. He is now enrolled in the MITT Network and Systems Administrator Program for this fall.
"I'm looking to expand my knowledge, and also, before I was planning on studying in Winnipeg in the main city, but since I live in Altona, it's quite a long drive. And so, when I saw that they opened a program here in Morden I immediately grabbed the opportunity to enroll in it.
Tolfo has a wife and two young children. He thinks this is a great opportunity to expand his knowledge and take a huge step in his career, now close to home.
How to sign up
MITT’s Morden Network and Systems Administrator diploma program begins delivery this fall. For more details on the program, visit MITT.ca/network-admin-morden. There is room for 24 students in this program.