DEPT OF COMMERCE: NEW ON-LINE TRAINING PROGRAM IN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING IS AVAILABLE
- Statewide Informational Meetings Scheduled Across Arizona

FROM THE DEPT OF COMMERCE

June 25, 2008

CONTACT: Pati Urias or David Drennon, 602-771-1163
http://www.azcommerce.com


A recent update to the availability of a new, unprecedented training opportunity sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, IBM and the Arizona Department of Commerce, allows individuals from around the country to upgrade their IT skills on line. The training, which is titled the Arizona Information Technology Skills Training Initiative or AzIT, is free to individuals who enroll in the on-line, self-paced version. The training was developed by senior IBM staff and consists of a series of three self-paced courses containing modules that focus on the building blocks for engineering quality into software development.

Continuous innovation, differentiation, and rapid response to changing customer demands characterize organizations that make software development and testing core processes. A series of informational meetings have been scheduled statewide for employers, educators, job seekers and others interested in learning more about the many ways in which AzIT can improve the overall quality of software, whether it is developed for internal use or marketed to outside customers. AzIT is hosting informational meetings across Arizona this summer:

• Friday, June 27, 2008 at Northern Arizona University, The W.A. Franke College of Business, Building 81, Room 334
10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON (Open to the Public)
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Workforce Professionals)

• Friday, July 11, 2008 at Arizona State University Downtown, 502 East Monroe Street, Rooms C340-50
10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON (Open to the Public)
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Workforce Professionals)

• Monday, July 21, 2008 at Arizona State University Downtown, 502 East Monroe Street, Rooms C340-50
10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON (Open to the Public)
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Workforce Professionals)

• Monday, August 18, 2008 at University of Arizona’s Student Union Building - Santa Rita Room, 3rd Floor
10:00 AM - 12:00 NOON (Open to the Public)
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM (Workforce Professionals)

Those wishing to attend these free informational meetings should RSVP to (480) 543-7685. Parking information will be provided when you confirm your attendance.

Individuals who go on to complete the training will have the option of getting certified by taking a proctored test currently being developed by IBM. More information will be available this summer about the certification. Interested individuals may enroll in the on-line training program by going to http://www.arizonaworkforceconnection.com/AZIT.