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IST Advisory Committee         October 22, 2007

1. Bill Busby

Fire/EMT Advisor

2. Jay Duthler

Reuters
Steve Elmore  Geek Squad

3. Teresa Foss

Cass R-IX District

4. Dale Gibson

Cass R-IX District

1  Seth Hershberger

Cass County Library

1  Dave Kingore

One Stop Computers

5.  Nathan Marolt

Vatterott

6.  Dianna Miller

Commerce Bank

7.  Jason Rugg

Ronning Engineering

8.  Levi Souza

Cass Medical Center

9.  Cary Wesemann

Lonejack Schools

1   Patel, Ravi

 

Harrisonville Inn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner (in IST)

·         IST class details explained during meal, there will be a short video and a shorter PowerPoint presentation covering the DED program and embedded credit in CA and Math.  Website details were discussed and demonstrated.

What should we teach the students?

·        Windows/ Linux/ Unix.  Hardware/Software.  Essential skills.

The suggestion was made to use VMWARE software because it is becoming widespread as a security tool in industry. Mr. Duthler, Mr. Busby both use it at work.

·        Current techniques to get and maintain employment. Soft skills—are they still necessary? 

Dianna Miller and Teresa Foss indicated that soft skills are still required as well as appearance and ability to learn the jobs. Levi Souza added that the candidates must be able to adapt and continue learning to be employable. The entire group agreed that tattoos and/or piercings must be covered up if there is contact with the public.

·        Update training—Who is responsible? How is this handled in industry?

On-the-job training is a must! Candidates who fulfill the job requirements rate a 3 (on a scale of five)—if they help others without being directed to do so their rating improves to a 2—if they also try to solve an obvious problem they may achieve a 1 rating in this system. Mr. Wesemann advised that teamwork would be the quickest method to gain status in a business environment. Training will always be continuous throughout employment.

·        Certifications-what specific items are cost-effective?

Most of the certifications are discussed at the second or third interview--after the employer can determine how the tech appears and performs. Reuters uses 3 interviews prior to the hiring process.

·        Assessments

Online assessments are common for training packages in industry; storage is not an issue with the electronic data, the process is quicker than any other method and the results are graphed immediately for employee feedback.

Meeting adjourned at 7:30 P.M.