All of the non-credit courses below are part of CareerConneCT IT-Track Programs. To register, go to www.ct.gov/CareerConneCT and complete the three-step enrollment process. A CareerConneCT Career Advisor will guide students through the registration process.
Spring 2023 CareerConneCT Schedule
IT Boot Camp (On Campus)
Do you feel you are being left behind in the technology revolution? It is never too late to learn. This course will acquaint you with the computer terminology and devices that help manage information today. You will gain insight into computer hardware and the Microsoft Windows operating system. In addition, you will learn how to use the basic word processing functions of the popular Microsoft Word program. You will also learn how to use the Outlook email program and the best search techniques on the Internet. The second half of the course will cover PC Maintenance and Repair: Why pay for expensive upgrades when you can learn how to do them yourself? Practice RAM, expansion cards and peripheral device installations in a hands-on course with real parts. Learn how to configure drivers and troubleshoot your Windows operating system. You will learn how to reformat a hard drive, partition it and load Windows. Discover how to add new peripherals including printers and scanners. Learn how to download and install driver updates from the manufacturer’s website. Additional topics include troubleshooting basics, researching errors online, hardware trends, buying a new PC (pre-built vs. custom) and standards for monitors, hard drive sizes, ports and optical drives. Additionally, viruses, spyware, surge protectors and backups will also be discussed. Keyboarding skills recommended. For the beginner through intermediate PC user. Students are eligible to receive free Windows software. Students must use their NetID login credentials in order to use classroom computers (www.manchestercc.edu/net-id).
CRN 10900 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
8 sessions | Tuesdays and Thursdays
2/7-3/2 | 1-4 p.m. | LRC Room B141 – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: George Pillar, MS
A+ Certification 220-1101 and 220-1102 Exam Preparation (Online)
CompTIA A+ certifications are internationally recognized, vendor-neutral certifications that validate the latest skills needed by today’s computer support professionals. This course will prepare you for the following certification exams: A+ 220-1101 which prepares you to be an entry-level IT professional. This designation covers the installation, configuration and maintenance of personal computers, laptops, and printers; as well as the principles of physical and TCP/IP networks. A+ 220-1102 covers the installation and configuration of operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Apple OS X and Linux. This course addresses security, cloud computing fundamentals, operational procedures and the basics of networking and security/forensics. Emphasis will be placed on properly and safely diagnosing, resolving common hardware and software issues with correct documentation. The course also covers the basics of virtualization, desktop imaging and deployment while following professional operational procedures to troubleshoot and assemble components based on customer requirements. Prerequisite: Knowledge of hardware and operating systems recommended. Curriculum is included in course fee, and includes the electronic texts, hands-on labs and practice exam. The A+ 220-1101 or A+ 220-1102 exams are included in the cost of the course. Students must pass both the 220-1101 and 220-1102 exams to be certified. The course instructor will inform students about the exam application process. A+ test centers are found at www.prometric.com. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training. This course will be taught using Webex. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class.
CRN 10906 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
24 sessions | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
3/13-5/8 (registration deadline 3/1) | 1-4 p.m.
Instructor: Peter Rinsland, MSc IT
PHP & MySQL Introduction (Online)
PHP & MySQL are popular, open-source technologies ideal for quickly developing database-driven web applications. This intensive, hands-on course introduces participants to the basics of PHP, explains how to set-up and work with a MySQL database, and demonstrates interactions between PHP and the database. Learn programming and database development techniques, build MySQL database-driven web applications with PHP, and apply your learning to sample projects. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training. This course will be taught using Webex. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class. Prerequisite: Basic Windows, keyboarding and mouse skills; knowledge of basic database concepts is recommended. Programming and HTML experience recommended.
CRN 10928 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
6 sessions | Tuesdays and Thursdays
3/14-3/30 | 1-4 p.m. – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: George Pillar, MS
Microsoft Office Certificate (Online)
Increase your employability with this intensive 42-hour course and receive a Microsoft Office Certificate on completion. This hands-on course will include practice time on Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook. Students will learn the basics of all Office programs, including merges, tables, graphics and sharing documents in Word; formulas, data management, formatting and printing in Excel; database creation, criteria in queries, report and form design, grouping data and establishing relationships in Access; creating slide shows, importing from Word, adding tables/graphics, animation and advanced formatting in PowerPoint; and email management, creating folders, adding signatures/attachments, scheduling appointments with others, organizing contact lists and creating/updating tasks in Outlook. Coursework will cover skills found in Office versions 2016, 2019 and 365. Students should have Office software installed on the computers they will use for the online training. Students who do not have the software installed on their training computer, go to http://supportcenter.ct.edu/service/Office365.asp to gain access to Office 365. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training. This course will be taught using Webex. Students will be contacted with further instructions one to three business days prior to class. Prerequisite: basic knowledge of Windows and keyboarding/mouse skills.
CRN 10910 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
14 sessions | Tuesdays and Thursdays
3/14-4/27 | 1-4 p.m. – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: John Hilditch, MS
Web Design Certificate (Online)
Build new skills to start or advance your career as a web developer. Topics covered start with the core areas of HTML and CSS and move on to the use of other desktop tools for web design, ending with exposure to web content management systems. Your Web design portfolio at the end of this certificate program will include published websites that showcase your front-end designs and your cross-platform experience with multiple toolsets. Students who successfully complete this program will be awarded the Web Design: MCC Certificate. The following web design tools are used in the program: HTML5 + CSS3, Web Design Principles, Website Builders Using Wix, Website Content Management Systems (CMS) Using WordPress, and Building Dynamic Website. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training. This course will be taught using Webex. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class. Prerequisite: Basic Windows, keyboard, mouse and web browser skills.
CRN 10913 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
10 Fridays | 3/10-5/19 | 1-4 p.m. – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: Jeffrey Bishop
Java Programming: Introduction (Online)
Java is one of the most popular programming languages used by software developers today. It is the core language used in developing Android apps and is also commonly used in back-end web development. If you’re new to programming or just interested in Java, then this course is a great place to get started. You’ll learn and practice essential computer science concepts using the Java programming language. You’ll learn about object-oriented programming, a technique that allows you to use code written by other programmers in your own programs. You’ll put your new Java programming skills to the test by solving real-world problems faced by software engineers. Java programming is a great option for first-time coders due to its popularity and ease of use. This course will provide you with a solid foundation in Java programming and object-oriented programming concepts. The Java programming environment includes introduction to classes and objects; graphics; fundamental data types; decisions; iterations; arrays, array lists and simple array algorithms. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training. This course will be taught using Webex. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class. Prerequisite: Basic Windows, keyboard and mouse skills. No prior programming experience needed; beginners welcome.
CRN 10916 | No fee (Funding available for qualified students)
10 sessions | Tuesdays and Thursdays
4/25-5/25 | 1-4 p.m. – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: George Pillar, MS
Network+ N10-008 Certification Preparation (Online)
CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral networking certification that is trusted around the world. It validates the essential knowledge and skills needed to confidently design, configure, manage and troubleshoot any wired and wireless networks. CompTIA Network+ certified individuals are in-demand worldwide. Students will gain the necessary skills to prepare them for the Network+ certification exam, including establishing basic network design and connectivity, understanding and maintaining network documentation, identifying network limitations and weaknesses and implementing network security, standards and protocols. The successful candidate will have a basic understanding of emerging network technologies, including unified communications and mobile, cloud and virtualization technologies. The CompTIA Network+ certification exam is not included in the cost of the course, but is estimated at $170 when using an MCC academic discount. The course instructor will inform students about the exam application process. Network+ testing centers can be found at www.pearsonvue.com/comptia. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training. This course will be taught using Webex. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class. Prerequisites: CompTIA A+ Certified or equivalent experience and minimum of nine months’ experience in network support or administration; or academic training equivalency.
CRN 10908 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
14 sessions | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
5/10-6/12 (starts on a Wednesday; does not meet 5/29) | 1-4 p.m.
Instructor: Peter Rinsland
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Foundations (Online)
AWS Cloud Foundations is intended for students who seek an overall understanding of cloud computing concepts, independent of specific technical roles. It provides a detailed overview of cloud concepts, AWS core services, security, architecture, pricing and support. All course content is developed and maintained by AWS to ensure the learning reflects current services and best practices. Required for the online section: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training using Webex. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of computers.
Two sections to choose from:
CRN 10911 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
8 sessions | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
2/22-3/10 (starts on a Wednesday) | 1-4 p.m. – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: Paul Picard, EdD
CRN 10919 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
8 sessions | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
4/19-5/5 (starts on a Wednesday) | 6-9 p.m. – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: Jayson Ferron
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Architecting (Online)
AWS Academy Cloud Architecting covers the fundamentals of building IT infrastructure on AWS. The course is designed to teach solutions architects how to optimize their use of the AWS Cloud by understanding AWS services and how they fit into cloud-based solutions. Although architectural solutions can differ depending on the industry, type of application, and size of the business, this course emphasizes best practices for the AWS Cloud that apply to all of them. It also recommends various design patterns to help you think through the process of architecting optimal IT solutions on AWS. Throughout the course, students will explore case studies that showcase how some AWS customers have designed their infrastructures and the strategies and services that they have implemented. Finally, this course provides opportunities for students to build a variety of infrastructures through a guided, hands-on approach. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training. This course will be taught using Webex. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class. Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of computers is preferred.
Two sections to choose from:
CRN 10921 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
13 sessions | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
3/13-4/12 (does not meet 4/7) | 1-4 p.m. – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: Paul Picard, EdD
CRN 10922 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
13 sessions | Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
5/8-6/7 (does not meet 5/29) | 6-9 p.m.
Instructor: Jayson Ferrron
Google IT Support Certificate (Online)
The Google IT Support Certificate is designed to prepare learners for roles in IT support. Certificate graduates who also pass the CompTIA A+ certification exams will earn a dual credential from CompTIA and Google. Upon completion of the Google IT Support Certificate program, graduates will understand the core concepts to all IT Support jobs, including troubleshooting, customer service, networking, system administration, operating systems, and security. Know how to assemble a computer, write effective support documentation, route paths and subnets, manage device software, and more. Dive into working with Linux, Cloud Computing, and Command-Line Interfaces. Our IT Support Certificate prepares learners for in-demand jobs such as: Technical Support Specialist, Data Center Technician, IT Help Desk, IT Technician, IT Support Specialist, Computer Support Specialist, and IT Assistant. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class.
CRN 10901 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
150 hours asynchronous virtual lessons
50 hours instructor review and support available Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
1/12-5/4 (registration deadline 1/5) – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: Bruce Manning
Google UX Design Certificate (Online)
Prepare for a career in the high-growth field of UX design, no experience or degree required. With professional training designed by Google, get on the fast-track to a competitively paid job. This program includes over 200 hours of instruction and hundreds of practice-based activities and assessments that simulate real-world UX design scenarios and are critical for success in the workplace. The content is highly interactive and developed by Google employees with decades of experience in UX design. User experience (UX) designers focus on the interaction that users have with products like websites, apps, and physical objects. They make those everyday interactions useful, enjoyable, and accessible. Students will learn how to complete the design process from beginning to end, including: Empathizing with users; Defining user pain points; Coming up with ideas for design solutions; Creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes; Testing designs through usability studies; Iterating on designs based on feedback. Students will create designs on paper and in digital design tool. By the end of the certificate program, students will have a professional UX portfolio that includes three end-to-end projects, and will be ready to apply for jobs. Upon completion, you can directly apply for jobs with Google and over 150 U.S. employers, including Walmart, Best Buy, and Astreya. Required for this online course: Internet access and computer. Microphone and webcam needed for live audio/video training. The instructor will contact students with further instructions one to three business days prior to class. Prerequisite: Basic Windows, keyboard, mouse and web browser skills.
CRN 10914 | No Fee (Funding available for qualified students)
150 hours asynchronous virtual lessons
50 hours instructor review and support available Thursdays, 6-9 p.m.
1/12-5/4 (registration deadline 1/5) – THIS CLASS HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Instructor: Jessica Holman