Levy Salutes IT Training Program

A program designed to help those who are floundering find career paths was saluted last week by Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. 

Insource America offers training in Information Technology (IT) to unemployed individuals and students enrolled in cooperative and vocational programs. 

Six students graduated from the program on February 21 and a new training class for 15 has commenced. Individuals are recruited from a variety of government assistance and vocational programs, and taught the skills needed for certification in IT Help Desk support. 

The program is a partnership between the Holbrook-based Future Tech Enterprise, Inc, and the Suffolk County Department of Labor. Those enrolled go through an eight-week training program before embarking on a six-month stint working live at the Future Tech Help Desk gaining real-life experience working with Fortune 1000 companies. 

"Insource America is a prime example of the type of innovations smart government can produce in partnering with the private sector," Levy said. "Linking clients from the county Labor Department to this unique opportunity provides participants with invaluable skills and career opportunities while preventing the export of IT service jobs that so many companies are filling with overseas personnel." 

Training is provided free of charge. The costs of the program, including a full-time instructor and the construction of a $2 million training center, is underwritten by Future Tech President and CEO Bob Venero. 

The program is highlighted as an alternative to outsourcing IT jobs overseas. 

"My hope for this innovative program is to positively impact our out-of-work community while inspiring other companies not only to work hard to make a difference but to work smart and keep the jobs here in the United States," Venero said. "There is nothing more powerful than the drive of an individual who wants to succeed." 

The program lasts for six months and, according to Future Tech Vice President for Marketing and Public Relations Shannon Mallozzi, has a job placement rate of 75%.
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Northender