Demand for Electronic Engineering Technicians Remains Strong

The September 2009 Yahoo HotJobs feature Surprising Jobs that Pay $25 an Hour describes Electronic Engineering Technician as a frequently overlooked career field for individuals pursuing an associate degree. The article details job opportunities for individuals with two-year degrees in Electronic Engineering Technology. The article states "Companies that design, test, and sell electrical and electronics devices need professionals to staff their labs". According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2008 study, the mean hourly wage for electronics engineering technicians in the U.S. was $25.96. The complete article can be found online at
http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-surprising_jobs_that_pay_25_an_hour-983

Autodesk features ACE Faculty Member

UM faculty member Creg Dieziger is this week's featured expert for the AutoCAD Exchange series "Ask the Expert". In addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member for the Department of Applied Computing & Electronics, Creg is Senior Engineering Technician for Morrison-Maierle, Inc. Creg's feature can be found at http://autocad.autodesk.com/?nd=ask_the_expert&topic_id=28&moderator_id=480

Additional section of CRT 111 added to Autumn Schedule

A fifth section of CRT 111 Fluency in I.T. has been added to the Autumn 2009 Schedule. Section 5 (CRN 74917) will meet Tuesday and Thursday from 12:40 - 2:00 pm. This new section will be available to students by Monday 8/24.

Classes Begin August 31

Classes are filling up for Autumn Term, but there are still seats available. The new Computer Aided Design program is actively recruiting new students and there is still limited space available in the Energy Technology, Computer Technology, and Electronics Technology programs. New students can register by contacting New Student Services at 406.243.7882 or COTAdmissions@umontana.edu

NABCEP Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) approved the Department of Applied Computing and Electronics at The University of Montana College of Technology as a provider of the Entry Level Certificate of Knowledge Exam. According to their website, NABCEP is a volunteer board of renewable energy stakeholder representatives that includes representatives of the solar industry, NABCEP certificants, renewable energy organizations, state policy makers, educational institutions, and the trades. They aim to develop voluntary national certification programs that will promote renewable energy, provide value to practitioners, promote worker safety and skill, and promote consumer confidence.

The University of Montana College of Technology will begin offering the course leading to this exam Spring Semester 2010.

Computer Aided Design Program Approved

The UM College of Technology has a new program beginning Fall 2009. A one-year certificate program in Computer Aided Design (CAD) was approved by the Board of Regents late last week. Students enrolling in this program will earn a Certificate of Applied Science in one year! This certificate program is housed in the Applied Computing and Electronics Department. New CAD classes offered this fall include: Graphic Communications, Computer Aided Design and Drafting, and CAD II. See the Program Requirements here. If you are interested in registering for these courses, visit http://www.cte.umt.edu/ and apply today. Students already enrolled at the COT are welcome to take these courses as well.

Students Earn A+ Certified Computer Support Credential

Ten Computer Technology students completed CompTIA A+ certification in the month of May. "We had eleven students attempt the certification process and ten passed." states Associate Professor Tom Gallagher, “ We’re really happy with the great success our students have had in earning this credential.” CompTIA (Computer Technology Industry Association) A+ certification validates the latest skills needed by today's computer support professionals. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ certification confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking. The exams also cover domains such as security, safety and environmental issues and communication and professionalism.

Cisco Educational Event - May 21

Cisco and Pyron Technologies are sponsoring a fun and educational event with the Cisco NOW Van visiting Missoula on May 21, 2009. Register to experience the latest in Unified Communications, Wireless/Mobility, Digital Media, and Security Demos. Six sessions are taking place between 9:00am - 3:00pm at Pyron Technologies located at 228 W. Main Street, Suite C in Missoula. A brunch or lunch will be provided, as well as a raffle and putting and basketball contests. Sign up now! Click here to register.

Computer Technology Graduate Highlighted by Cisco

Sarah Gundlach, a graduate of the Computer Technology program at The University of Montana College of Technology, was recently profiled by the Cisco Networking Academy. Sarah shared experiences about studying for and eventually passing her CCNA Certification exam. She also praised COT faculty members Rhonda Tabish and Penny Jakes for their instrumental roles in her education. Read the entire article on page 8 here.

Computer Technology Students Receive Prestigious Award


Bill Klapwyk and Kara Shapiro were recently awarded the Mortar Board of The University of Montana. Mortar Board is a national honor society founded in 1918. Awards are given based on academic achievement and commitment to academic discipline. Mortar Board recognizes college seniors for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service. Award recipients represent the top scholars and leaders on their campuses. Pictured from left to right are Bill, Professor Penny Jakes, Professor Dianne Burke, and Kara. Congratulations, Bill and Kara, for such high accomplishments and good luck with your future plans!

Electronics Program Director Honored for 25 Years of Service

Steve Rice, Electronics Technology Program Director, was honored this week for 25 years of service at The University of Montana. Students in the Electronics Technology program continually applaud his teaching style and knowledge, as well as the powerful impact he makes in their lives. Congratulations, Steve, for this remarkable accomplishment!

Energy Technology Director Presents at Energy Workshop

The first in a four-part energy workshop series entitled Energizing our Workforce was held April 17 at Stone Child College in Box Elder. UM-COT Adjunct Professor, Dr. Ashley Preston, was a featured presenter for the initial session entitled "Renewable and Alternative Energy Careers in Montana." Dr. Preston discussed renewable energy education in Montana, job opportunities, available training resources, and the need for education in emerging industries. Dr. Preston serves as Director for the Energy Technology Program at The University of Montana.

Other presenters for this session included: Pat Wise from the Governor's Office of Economic Development, Wendy Kleinsasser and Dave Ryan from WindPark Solutions America, Michael Radecki from Western Power Administration, Barbara Stiffarm from Opportunity link, and Bobbi Jo Favel from Chippewa Cree Energy Corporation.

“Energizing our Workforce” is organized by Stone Child College in partnership with Opportunity Link and The University of Montana. It is paid for in part by a USDOL WIRED grant from the Montana Department of Commerce in conjunction with the Montana Department of Labor. All workshops are FREE and OPEN to all.

WORKSHOPS SERIES

Opportunities in Oilseeds and Biodiesel Production
April 24 & 25
Site visit on April 25 to Earl-Fisher Biofuels (Chester, MT) and MSU Northern's BioEnergy Innovation and Testing Center

Wind Energy Careers and Wind Montana Project
May 1 & 2

The Future in Solar and Geothermal Energy
May 15 & 16

Educator Training on Energy Development in Montana
May 22 & 23

For more information, call 265-3699. Full agendas are available online: http://www.opportunitylinkmt.org/whatsnew.php
http://www.opportunitylinkmt.org/downloads.php

Energizing our Worforce Workshop Series

During April & May Stone Child College on the Rocky Boy's Reservation will be hosting a workshop series entitled “Energizing our Workforce”. This series of workshops and field visits will provide an overview of emerging energy-related careers in the State of Montana, particularly for the North central Montana region.

Presentations include job opportunities, training resources, preparing for and accessing the training needed for these emerging industries. The workshops focus on having a talented, trained workforce as a key strategy for growing the local economy.

“Energizing our Workforce” is organized by Stone Child College in partnership with Opportunity Link, University of Montana College of Technology in Missoula and paid for in part by a USDOL WIRED grant from the Montana Department of Commerce in conjunction with the Montana Department of Labor.

The meeting is FREE and OPEN to all. Lunch and transportation to and from site visits are also provided.

Renewable and Alternative Energy Careers in Montana
April 17 & 18
Site visit on April 18 to Judith Gap Wind Farm

Opportunities in Oilseeds and Biodiesel Production
April 24 & 25
Site visit on April 25 to Earl-Fisher Biofuels (Chester, MT) and MSU Northern's BioEnergy Innovation and Testing Center

Wind Energy Careers and Wind Montana Project
May 1 & 2

The Future in Solar and Geothermal Energy
May 15 & 16

Educator Training on Energy Development in Montana
May 22 & 23

For more information, call 265-3699. The flyer and full agenda for the first workshop is available at http://www.opportunitylinkmt.org/whatsnew.php

COT Partners with Blackfeet Community College

The Department of Applied Computing and Electronics and Blackfeet Community College partnered in presenting a three-part spring workshop series on sustainable energy practiced April 20th. UM faculty member Bill Gillespie reports that "we have a great deal to learn about our partner school as they provide a model based on a long tradition of environmental concern and a relationship with the environment focused on renewable and sustainable energy technologies". Bill serves as the Eastern Montana WIRED Grant coordinator.

Blackfeet Community College is engaged in renewable energy and sustainable energy practices. The April 20th presentation featured LEED building certification presented by Mark Headley (Studio-Forma Architects of Bozeman) and Gordon Whirry (Whirry Architects). It also marked the ground-breaking ceremony of a new LEED certified Math and Science Building on the BCC campus.

Energy Technology Students from UM will be traveling to BCC for a practicum experience in June.

The workshop series is a component of the Montana Workforce Innovation Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Program providing funding for training and curriculum development through partnerships between the UM-COT and Miles Community College, Montana Tech of The University of Montana College of Technology, Stone Child College and Blackfeet Community College

New Computer Aided Design Courses

Beginning Autumn Term 2009, The Department of Applied Computing and Electronics will offer a series of AutoCAD related courses. Three sections of CRT 182T Computer Aided Design are available. The new special topics courses CRT195T Computer Aided Design II will provide students with an intermediate-level AutoCAD experience. The special topics course Graphic Communications provides an introduction to basic principles of drafting. Additionally, the special topics course HEO 195T Surveying will provide an introduction to surveying equipment and data collection from a CAD perspective. With Board of Regents approval, a new Certificate of Applied Science program in Computer Aided Design will initiate August 2009.

New Sections of CRT 210 and CRT 285 are Open

Students registering for Fall Semester 2009 now have access to additional seats in CRT 210 and CRT 285. The new Course Registration Number (CRN) for CRT 210 Advanced Operating Systems is 72003. The new CRN for CRT 285 PC Hardware Support is 72004. Remember to register now to get the classes you want!

Energy Student Featured on MT PBS

Energy student Larry Keogh was interviewed on Montana Evening Edition on MT Public Radio yesterday for his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity. Please visit the link below and to hear the story, scroll ahead to about 16 minutes into the recording. Fun stuff!

http://www.mtpr.net/program_info/2009-03-19-132

Missoula BarCamp at MonTEC

The second annual technology, non-profit, and arts unconference will happen on Saturday April 18th from 12 noon to 5 pm at MonTEC (1121 E.Broadway). All Western Montana computer professionals, scientists, web designers, students, companies, and entrepreneurs who are involved in the computer technology industry are invited to attend.

The BarCamp brings a high level of interaction and engaged exchanges. It is a self organizing conference built with leading edge social technology which is simple but evolutionary. Bring your best ideas and expect the same from other attendees.

Early registration is recommended to ensure adequate facilities and supplies. Due to donations wea re able to offer this event below cost, $8 for early registration and $15 if you choose to register after April 11th.

Please visit http://missoulabarcamp.org/main/ for more information.

Looking for Campus I.T. Jobs? Consider STAP

Students interested in campus I.T. jobs may want to consider the STAP program. The program provides a bridge between students with strong I.T. skills and campus entities seeking these individuals. Further information about the program and application materials are available online http://www.umt.edu/it/employ/stap.aspx PC plus Mac experience is a plus but not required. Jeramy Parker (jeramy.parker@umontana.edu) or Kathy Garramone (kathy.garramone@umontana.edu) are available to answer specific question.

Spring Semester

Classes begin Monday, January 26, 2009 for Spring Semester. There is still time to enroll. To begin visit http://cte.umt.edu or call New Student Services at (406) 243-7882. If you have already signed up for classes, be sure to finalize your bill by January 19. You can do through Cyberbear.