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Job Roles

Program Description

The Network Support Technician program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to support users in a network environment. After successfully completing this program, students will be able to:

  • Install and configure server hardware such as network cards and data storage devices
  • Install and configure Microsoft and Linux desktop operating systems
  • Troubleshoot and resolve common system problems
  • Plan, install and manage Novell/SUSE, Microsoft, and Linux server operating systems
  • Support office productivity software such as Microsoft Exchange servers, Outlook, and Office applications in a networked environment
  • Troubleshoot and resolve common network problems
  • Install and configure routers and switches using the Cisco command line operating system
  • Harden network devices and implement security throughout the network

    Skills and knowledge gained during the year prepare students to write industry recognized certifications such as:

  • Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
  • Novell Certified Network Administrator (CNA)
  • CompTIA Network Plus
  • CompTIA Security Plus
  • Linux Professional Institute (LPI) certification

These exams are not part of the program and their related costs are the responsibility of individual students and graduates. Certification exams are administered at WTC's Pearson VUE Testing Centre.

Entrance Requirements

Applicants should be currently enrolled in or have successfully completed credits or equivalent standing from a Canadian school in:

  • Grade 11 Math (30S)
  • Grade 11 English Language Arts (30S)
For further information regarding entrance requirements to the College and the Mature Student option, refer to the application/admission process on the College's web site.

It is strongly recommended that students entering this program have a basic knowledge (either formal or informal) of basic hardware and Operating System skills. Applicants who do not have A+ certification or are not a graduate of the College's Microcomputer Systems Technician program are required to write a Computer Skills Assessment. Two (2) years experience working with computers is recommended.

A successful career as a Network Support Technician usually requires:

  • good interpersonal skills
  • commitment to on-going development of technical skills
  • strong customer service orientation
  • effective written and verbal communication skills
  • good problem solving skills
Program Duration and Location
  • Full-time students - 9.5 months
  • Class hours - day (8:30 am to 3:30 pm)
  • Start dates - September (If space is available, another intake will be integrated into the class.)
Work Practicum

The Network Support Technician program features a nine-week Work Practicum placement in a local workplace which provides students with valuable on-the-job training and experience. Students will apply skills learned in the classroom and develop new skills through working within an actual employer's facility.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of this program usually find employment as network administrators, network support technicians and computer technicians with companies who install networks and provide support to businesses and organizations.

The Cumulative Employment Rate for graduates of this program for the period of July 2001 to June 2006 is 79%.

The median wage for students graduating from this program between July 2005 and June 2006 is $15.17 per hour.

2010/2011 Tuition Fee/Costs*

Tuition:

$4,200.00

Books:
(issued by instructor)

$800.00

Total Due:

$5,000.00

Additional Student
Purchase Supplies:

$250.00

*Tuition may be subject to change.

Course Content - Network Support Technician

Course Code Grade Level Course Name Course Requirement(s)
NET-011 8455
40S
Troubleshooting and Repair (IT Essentials)

Troubleshooting and Repair presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance and safety issues.

None
NET-021 8895
30S
Advanced Operating Systems (MS Workstation and Server)
This course covers the installation, deployment, and troubleshooting of Microsoft Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2003. The hands-on approach will prepare students to face the real life challenges of a Microsoft networking professional and assist students in preparing for the MCSE certification exams.
None
NET-031 8899
40S
Networking Technology (Exploration 1)

The focus of this course is on learning the fundamentals of networking. Students will learn both the practical and conceptual skills that build the foundation for understanding basic networking.

None
NET-041 8098
40S
Networking Technology 2 (Exploration 2)
The primary focus of this course in on routing and routing protocols. The goal is to develop an understanding of how a router learns about remote networks and determines the best path to those networks.
NET-031
NET-052 8454
40S
Advanced Communications (Infrastructure)

This course introduces students to implementing, managing, and maintaining a Microsoft Windows Server infrastructure. Preparing for the Microsoft Infrastructure certification exam, students cover a variety of topics including DHCP, TCP/IP addressing, DNS, secure network procedures, routing, VPNs, and authentication protocols.

NET-021
NET-061 8900
40S
Configuring Systems (Linux Workstation and Server)

Linux is one of the most popular Network Operating Systems today and is often the preferred NOS found on high-powered network servers. This course examines the components of Linux and how it is implemented as a workstation OS and as a popular NOS.

NET-011
NET-021
NET-071 8099
40S
Networking Technology 3 (ISA Server)

This course provides students with the current standard best practices, and a clear understanding of how Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration Server fit into the larger security infrastructure.  Additionally, students will be able to identify security threats and vulnerabilities, and respond to and recover from security incidents.

NET-021
NET-081 8976
40S
Networking Technology 4 (Novell/SUSE)

This course provides the concepts, skills and hands-on experience students need to use Open Enterprise Server to build network systems. The course includes the objectives that detail how to set up a Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Server that can provide network services to both Windows and Linux clients. These skills will put students in a position to take advantage of the many opportunities in the rapidly growing and changing field of networked computing.

NET-061
NET-091 8453
40S
Advanced Technical Applications (Microsoft Exchange Server)

This course prepares students for the real world challenges of administering Exchange Server. Comprehensive coverage begins with the installation and configuration of Exchange Server and goes on to include managing recipients, configuring Outlook and Web access, managing address books, public folders, routing and Internet connectivity, data storage and hardware resources, security, backup, recovery, and troubleshooting.

NET-021
NET-101 8897
40S
Customer Service Skills (Work Practicum)

The 240 hour Work Practicum is available to all students who successfully complete all academic courses and demonstrate acceptable employability skills. Students complete resumes and cover letters in the Technical Writing portion. These resumes are used to secure interviews for the positions at the Work Practicum sites.

.
Completion of all courses
listed above.

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