Programme Overiew

Gomex Institute of Technology has a mission of providing relevant training programs that will enable learners to contribute to the local, regional and global economies. Gomex has taken time to study the global and local markets as well as development plans and have put together this Certificate in Computer Support to respond to the need for highly skilled Information Technology professionals.

Programme Description

The Certificate in Computer Support is designed based on an industry-driven curriculum to ensure that learners are equipped with current and relevant skills and knowledge required to operate in today’s fast paced economy. Upon completing of one year of study the learner can be awarded a Certificate in Computer Support or continue to complete the programme. The programme contains courses totalling 30 credits including courses in computer support, computer networking, computer security, project management, mathematics, communication studies, sociology, work experience, entrepreneurship, Spanish and Linux Administration.

The increasing role of IT Administrators and the requirement to interact with both internal and external customer has led to the addition of Customer Service to the programme. Learners will complete this Certificate in two (2) Semester Full time and three (3) Semesters Part Time. Part-time student will have classes in the Summer semester.

Programme Objectives:

The objective of the Certificate in Computer Support is to provide the skills and training needed for a career in information technology support, network support, information security analyst. The programme seeks to equip graduates with international personnel certification in the area of computer support, networking and information security. The main objectives of this program are outlines below:

1. Provide learners with customer service and communication skills required to serve both internal and external customers who utilize an organization’s computer resources.
2. Provide learners with hands-on skills and knowledge in computer support and maintenance using international best practice for troubleshooting.
3. Provide learners with the skills required to install, configure and maintain computer networks.
4. Provide learners with the skills and knowledge needed to draft information security policy, configure information security settings, provide disaster recovery and incidence response in an organization.
5. Provide learners with the skills required to effectively plan, execute and report on information technology projects.
6. Provide learners with the skills and knowledge required to apply mathematical concepts to solving real life issues.
7. Provide learners with the knowledge needed to start up a technology based company and to take part in the global outsourcing economy.
8. Provide learners with skills and knowledge needed for professional conduct such as dress and deportment, office professionalism, etiquette and an awareness of societal structure.
9. Provide hands on work experience mapping international best practices to learning thereby providing an industry focused and academically balanced education.

Profile of Graduates

A graduate from this program will be equipped with the technical, organizations, customer service and communication skills required to provide professional computer servicing and support to an organization. In addition graduates will have enough skills and knowledge to start up a technology company to part take in the global outsourcing industry. Graduates will possess the skills and knowledge required by companies such as DELL, HP, Microsoft, the United States Department of Defence and other international and local organizations requiring Accredited Industry professional certifications for employment. In addition graduates from this program should be capable of working as a project assistant. In addition to obtaining a Certificate in Computer Support, graduates should be capable of attaining the following international accredited certifications during the course of their studies:

1. CompTIA A+
2. CompTIA Network+
3. CompTIA Security+
4. ETA Customer Service Specialist (CSS)

Career Options for Graduates

1. System Administrator
2. Computer Support Technician
3. Network Administrator
4. Computer Security Analyst
5. Customer Engagement Specialist
6. Technical Customer Service Representative
7. Information Technology Administrator
8. Information Security Incident handler
9. Help Desk Support

Course Descriptions

Computer Application I

This course gives learners an introduction to office productivity tools such as word processing and spreadsheet. Learners will become proficient in the use of productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and open source tools like Libre Office. Learners will cover topics such as formatting, tabulation, alignment, referencing techniques, tables and picture manipulation in word processors. The course will also expose learners to the use of spreadsheet applications manipulating formulae, charts, conditional formatting, printing techniques and advanced features such as programming with macros. The learner will be engaged in creating charts and tables in a spreadsheet application and incorporating them in word processor.

Computer Support I

The requirement for any professional working on or around computer systems is that they must have knowledge of the core fundamentals about the basic functions and components of computer systems. This course will provide the learner with the knowledge that they will be able to address issues in computer systems. This course will also provide a historical context for current technologies by describing how computer systems and their components have evolved from notable eras. This course will encourage professionalism when handling hardware and software issues, as well as, customers. The curriculum for this course is aligned with the CompTIA A+ 220-801 certifications and is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17025 for personnel certification and training. This adoption allows the course to be steep in academic rigor and to be closely aligned to the requirement of the job market.

Computer Support II

As the global economy continuous increases its dependence on information technology, it is crucial that professionals who maintain these systems are familiar with international best practice for troubleshooting and solving IT problems. This course is designed to equip learners with the skills, knowledge and international best practice in solving IT related issues in a systematic manner. The course is directly aligned with the CompTIA 802 certification exam. The learning will be exposed to Windows based systems and will give learning hands on practice working with mobile devices, laptops, printers and desktop computers. Throughout the course learners are engaged in hands on problem solving using the CompTIA’s troubleshooting methodology. Learners install drivers, update drivers, install operating systems, and diagnose PC problems in a professional manner. The CompTIA A+ 802 certification exam is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17024 for personnel certification and training.

Computer Networking I

As more and more companies both private and government depends on Information Technology, the need for trained network administrators to plan, implement and maintain network infrastructures. This course equips the learner with the skills and knowledge required to performing entry level routine networking functions such as cable building, network configurations, networking topology and network architectures. The learners will be expose to Network topology, routing and switching, network devices, commonly used ports, VLANs, Windows networking and basic network security concepts. The learners will be prepared to do the CompTIA Network+ N10-005 certification exam which is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17024 for personnel certification.

Computer Security I

The increase attacks on network infrastructures of both private and public organizations globally have resulted in a need for skilled professional in Information Security Administration. This course equips the learner with the skill and knowledge needed to write information security policies, carry our computer incident response, secure commonly used computer ports, security Microsoft Windows security routines and carry out business continuity and disaster procedures in information technology environment. The learner is prepared for the CompTIA Security+ international certification which is accredited by ANSI to ISO 17024 for personnel certifications.

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General Education

To equip learners with the requisite skills needed to function in a fast pace global environment the program is developed with a set of General Education courses. These courses are of equal significance and fully compliment the learner’s technical skill set. The learner will take courses in communications, business writing, a foreign language, project management, entrepreneurships, mathematics, sociology and customer service. These skill sets are essential in enabling IT professionals to fully serve organizations of all sizes. The learner will take a one credit seminar that will deal with dress and deportment, etiquette, social conversations and preparation for job interviews. All learners will be required to do work experience as per course description.

Communication I

It is essential that professionals be equipped with the requisite communication skills to operate in the global market place. This course seeks to give the learner an appreciation for the construction of the English Language. The learner will be engaged in learning sentence construction, paragraph construction and writing styles. The learner will be introduced to APA referencing and will be exposed to academic misconduct such as plagiarism and copyright infringements. At the end of this course the learner should be equipped to cogently express an idea by constructing sentences, paragraphs and essays in a logical organized manner making references to source utilized in supporting the main points.

Pre-Calculus

The increase magnitude of organizational problems has created the need for professionals who possess the ability to think logically and to solve problems in methodological manner. This course equips the learner with the ability to write effective solutions to problems and projects, represent solutions to problems in an effective manner, utilize critical and creative thinking strategies in reasoning and problem solving as well as demonstrate knowledge and appreciation for Mathematics and its application outside of the learning environment.

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Introduction to Customer Service

To remain competitive, organizations have to become customer service oriented. A professional servicing any organizations customer whether internal or external must adhere to international best practices for customer service. This course introduces the learner to the concept of customer service, and understanding of external and internal customer relations. The learner acquires the skills to methodological solve customer problems, communicate effectively using appropriate means and aligning customer service to meet organizational goals. The learner gains experience in dealing with the difficult customer and maintain professionalism through emails, phone call and face to face communications. The learner will be assessed for the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level I for Customer Service from the National Council on Technical and Vocation Education and Training (NCTVET).

Entrepreneurship

The global economy requires that more and more college graduates create job opportunities by becoming entrepreneurial. This module equips the learner with the skills and knowledge needed to explore the option of entrepreneurship. The learner will be exposed to practical approaches to starting up a business including business plans, registrations and different business formations. The learner will be required to fully complete the application process for registering a business in Jamaica, tax registrations and other documentations needed to make a business legal in Jamaica. At the end of this course the learner will be fully aware of the procedure for registering a business in Jamaica.

Professional Development Seminar

Organizations in today’s fast paced globalised environment require professionals who are capable of conducting themselves professionally. This course delivered in the format of a seminar will expose students to various professional conduct including dress and deportment, etiquette, social graces, job interview techniques as well as professional development strategy. The learner will conclude the course by developing a personal development plan (PDP).