Computer Systems Technician – Networking Program Offers Practical Training

By attending a Computer Systems Technician – Networking offering, graduates have a variety of career options. Among the positions for which they may apply are: computer systems technicians, field service representatives, network technicians, network technical support specialists, help desk support and technical support. At Centennial College’s two-year Computer Systems Technician program, students who are accepted become one of only 100 yearly graduates who find their jobs in technical support from the growing mesh of Internet, intranet, extranet and telecom networks. Companies that have hired graduates of this program include: StorageTek, Toronto Hydro and Transport Canada.

Computer Systems Technicians plan, administer, configure and maintain individual and networked computer systems. They provide technical support for computer users in a business environment. As such, students who attend Centennial College will find that the program incorporates the latest in computer systems and network technology to reflect the ever-growing innovations of the digital revolution.

Among the specific topics covered in the Computer Systems Technician program are: Network Technologies (theory classes cover all the fundamental information behind LANs, WANs and their technologies, and lab classes introduce students to the hands on techniques to install, configure and troubleshoot a physical network environment); Customer Skills (provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the technical support and helpdesk environment and the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to work in the user support industry); Network Security (students learn about the basics of network security, the security problems that may occur in networks including aspects of internet security, and solution); and more.

Throughout the Computer Systems Technician program, hands-on labs and technical problem solving are used. Students go inside PC hardware and into the details of operating systems to have full human control of the computing and communicating technology. They also learn to put together and maintain systems that will empower users in their creative, business and communication activities.

The Computer Systems Technician program is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, and, as such, has met the established national technology accreditation requirements. In addition, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) recognizes the Computer Systems Technician - Networking program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technician category.

To apply for the Computer Systems Technician – Networking program at Centennial College, students are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have finished the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Although meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Computer Systems Technician program, those who are accepted will be placed in the appropriate English level based on skills assessment results.

Please note that qualified college or university graduates with a background in networks gain direct admission into semester three of this two-year program and receive their Computer Systems Technician - Networking diploma in two semesters.