While plenty has changed over the past few years, one thing remains true: computers are not going away anytime soon.
Think back a decade or two. Consider the technology available at that time. Fast forward to today, and the leaps and bounds technology has achieve over time is astounding!
Since so much has changed in so few years, the need to keep up and know the ins and outs of technology is all the more necessary. In fact, many job candidates who lack experience with technology often find themselves overlooked for jobs.
The need for a firm grasp on technology has grown greater than ever, as our workplaces, homes, and lifestyles are centered around our smartphones and other devices.
Although the need to understand technology is important, many people do not. Especially when it comes to installing, fixing, and rebooting hardware, a person must have both the knowledge and patience to find the right solutions.
The Best Paying Careers Working with Computers
If you are considering a career as a computer systems technician, there has never been a better time. By earning a certificate in as little as 10.5 months, you can be on your way to starting a great career.
Additionally, the more you learn and the more certifications you receive, you can continue to climb up the ladder. Simply getting started by learning the basics allows you to build up your expertise and experience.
After earning your certificate, you can begin applying to jobs that deal with computers, technology, and networks. The Computer Systems Technician certificate is the first step in building a career that can lead to some great positions. By continuing to learn, grown, and earn additional certifications, you can achieve amazing things in your career.
Here are our top 5 favorite careers that computer systems technicians can eventually work towards upon completing the program:
Information Security Analysts
Especially within the past year, we have learned that cyber security is growing. From companies being hacked with valuable customer information being leaked, to interference by other countries in elections, the fear of cyber leaks and the need for cyber security has grown.
As an information security analyst, you will be on the front lines of identifying security breaches and hacks, finding ways to keep systems on lockdown and how to act when security is at risk.
With added training and recognition of security threats, you can continue to grow in your career, finding jobs at some of the world’s largest companies. Many Fortune 500 companies, banks, and online retail stores rely on security for both the business and their customers.
Computer Support Specialists
Have you always enjoyed tinkering with objects and finding out how they work? Especially if you have a knack for fixing tech items like phones, computers, and tablets, a computer support specialist role could be a great fit for you.
Computer support specialists work within companies to ensure that all equipment is up and running, working smoothly and properly. From managing a company’s hardware and data to implementing software changes and innovative solutions, a computer support specialist helps keep a company running.
Much more than simply “the tech guy” and a valuable asset to keeping a company efficient and successful, computer support specialists are always looking to the future, finding new ways to help companies be better. Not only that, but plenty of people in a company will turn to you for help, guidance, and your opinion for keeping IT needs updated and working.
Network Technician
A network technician also helps keep an office’s technology up and running. However, unlike those who work exclusively with computers, a network technician focuses less on physical hardware and more on the network the hardware relies on each day.
The network technician ensures that company computers continue to interact with one another, that the network stays up and running, and that internet connection is maintained smoothly in the company.
Instead of working on specific computers, you are behind the scenes, allowing the network to be supported and strong. Because of network technicians, our access to larger networks and the internet is possible!
Mobile Device Specialist
Are you a tech lover who is always interested in the latest new phones, devices, and software updates? If you stay ahead of the curve and love learning about new technologies, consider becoming a mobile device specialist.
Not only do mobile device specialists help customers with their phones and tablets, but they often work for some of the world’s largest companies. Apple, AT&T, Verizon, and other companies rely on mobile device specialists to assist customers and promote their products regularly.
With large companies come major benefits; working with these companies can result in great insurance, paid time off, sick leave, and more. If you are looking for a healthy work-life balance, a mobile device specialist could be a great path for you.
Technical Support Specialist
If you are a problem solver who loves helping others, consider becoming a technical support specialist. Each customer or coworker you assist brings a puzzle to you; it is your job to find the source of the problem, fix it, and make someone very happy!
Many of these jobs have been outsourced to other countries, but more and more American companies are looking for ways to bring them back. By investing in talented workers who have exceptional listening and communication skills, companies are finding that customers are incredibly pleased with the results.
Sometimes technical support specialist jobs can have alternative hours. If you are a night owl, many companies need night-time shifts to be covered. These shifts can sometimes offer higher pay, and can also leave you with your days free to do what you want.
Much like the other positions listed above, technical support specialists are a great way to dive into the tech and customer service field. You can continue to grow, learn, and find new things that interest you to increase your future income and job satisfaction.
Want a Great Career Working with Computers? Let’s Get Started.
By starting a career in the tech industry today, there is nowhere to go but up! The continued demand for hardworking, smart workers will only grow in the years to come. Get in the door early, continue to learn, and, before you know it, you will be in a position as an expert.
IntelliTec’s Computer Systems Technician certificate, offered at our Colorado Springs and Albuquerque campuses, gives you all the information and experience you need to begin applying to jobs in as little as 10.5 months. Not only will you earn a certificate, but you will get hands-on experience, connections with companies in the community, and the knowledge you need to keep earning certifications in your chosen field.
Start earning more while enjoying a satisfying career. Learn more about the Computer Systems Technician certificate, and then get prepared to apply to IntelliTec.
One of the most common resolutions in the new year for many people is to lose weight, get in shape, and feel better. This time of year becomes increasingly busy for one industry: personal trainers.
Along with New Year’s resolutions, many people seek personal trainers year-round for various reasons. Some people need a professional to help them stay in shape, while paying attention to previous injuries. Some athletes may need a trainer’s expertise to train and maintain a competitive edge. Others may just need a friend who can keep their exercise fresh and interesting throughout the year.
A personal trainer is someone who has the ability to care for others, while also pushing them to be better and achieve more. Often, personal trainers are outgoing, caring, and encouraging people who want to use their skills to make life better for others. But, you may wonder: what do personal trainers do, and how do they make a career out of fitness?
What Do Personal Trainers Do?
Personal trainers are professionals who are skilled in promoting physical health and well-being through customized exercise regimens and suggested diet tips.
Whether helping a client train for a marathon or simply lose a few extra pounds, the role of a personal trainer is to help set goals and create a realistic path towards achieving them. A personal trainer can have clients with a wide variety of needs, and it is important for them to understand the human body, diseases, and injuries to make the best impact for their clients.
Personal trainers also work in all sorts of settings, making it possible to find work that is truly your niche. While most people immediately picture personal trainers in gym settings, personal trainers also work in hospitals, studios, country clubs, universities, company offices, and even in a client’s home or their own home gym.
Being a personal trainer means flexibility – in more ways than one! Each day brings a new challenge and exciting opportunity to improve someone’s overall health and happiness.
Why Become a Personal Trainer?
Training to become a personal trainer certainly takes a lot of work. Our program, located at our Colorado Springs campus, is an 18-month associate of occupational studies degree program. Earning your degree as a personal trainer equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to begin a career in this exciting line of work.
Upon completion of your degree, you will be more than ready to take any personal training certifications, which will give you an added competitive edge as you begin your job hunt.
While it is hard work, the benefits are just as valuable and rewarding in the end. Below, we have outlined 5 reasons why becoming a personal trainer is a great step for you:
Help Others Achieve Goals
Are you known among your friends as a friendly, optimistic person? Are you a planner who thinks making goals and measuring success is important?
Being a personal trainer does all of these things and more. Since, sometimes, getting in shape is really hard work, you have to possess a great personality and ability to encourage clients to stick to their goals.
Along with being fun to be around, you also have to know how to push people to be their best and to get incrementally better over time. A personal trainer’s ability to define and measure success – whether it is in weight lost, muscle gained, flexibility improved, pain decreased, or health changed – keeps clients on track and their goals attainable.
Help Others Feel Their Best
More and more, people across the country are finding themselves diagnosed with a range of health problems, from diabetes to cardiac disease to obesity. Our busy lifestyles can prevent us from getting the exercise and nutrition we need.
Additionally, the generation of the “baby boomers” means we have the largest influx of older people in our population than ever before. The demand for staying healthy and moving is greater for this group of people than ever before.
Especially for older people or those with health challenges, exercise provides the opportunity to feel better, more youthful, and like their old self. With regular personal training sessions, clients become stronger and rely on your expertise more for their health and wellness needs.
Understand the Human Body
Personal trainers are not those who just hit the gym each day; rather, personal trainers must have a larger sense of how the human body works. This means understanding how muscles work together, how heart rate levels impact the body, the relevance of weight and body mass index, and so much more.
Not only do personal trainers understand how the body works in a gym setting, but they also have a greater sense of how to treat the body when you are not exercising. Rest and feeding your body are just as important for reaching goals.
For clients who have specific needs, such as those in a hospital or older people, personal trainers have to know medical conditions that can affect performance. For instance, a personal trainer would not order someone with a bad hip to run on the treadmill. Or, a personal trainer might suggest some exercises to get heart rate up for those seeking to lose weight.
Understanding how the human body works and what type of exercise will have the most impact makes personal trainers more qualified to suggest routines that improve lives.
Learn How to Blend Nutrition and Fitness
As mentioned above, personal trainers do not just rely on workouts alone. It is well understood in the exercise and medical world today that nutrition is just as important as exercise when it comes to achieving health and weight goals.
By suggesting healthy diet tips to clients, personal trainers can coach others on how to clean up their diet and make small steps towards success. For instance, if a client gets fast food most nights of the week, a personal trainer can challenge them to cut back and begin cooking at home.
Small encouragements from a trainer can help a person find new ways to enjoy life, through cooking, trying new foods, and making recipes that their entire family will love. Personal trainers can talk about the importance of introducing vegetables, lean protein, and smaller portions into a diet.
Usually, personal trainers benefit from working alongside other professionals, such as dieticians, who can recommend meal plans for clients as part of a holistic approach to health. Many hospitals, universities, retirement homes, and other settings view exercise and diet as two necessary components to living well.
Stay Fit
While there is the important work of helping others achieve goals, there is one slight advantage to being a personal trainer: you stay in shape, too!
Doing workouts you love each day, alongside people seeking your help, allows you to continue to grow stronger and be a great resource for those who need your expertise. The more you are able to experiment with different exercises, equipment, and techniques, the better prepared you are to help a client through tough workouts.
Improve your own health and wellness by being a strong example – as a personal trainer!
Become a Personal Trainer with IntelliTec College
Ready to get started on a career that will benefit the health of you and others for years to come? Consider becoming a personal trainer.
Our next program start date is February 20, at our Colorado Springs campus. For a career that gives you flexibility to work in a variety of work environments, along with a greater understanding of human health, personal training could be a great fit for you.
While money is not everything when it comes to finding the right job, it can certainly help support your family and help you feel more satisfied with your career.
Not surprisingly, many careers that require a specific skillset are not only in high demand, but they also pay well, based on experience and talent. When you begin a career program at IntelliTec College, you are able to learn in a hands-on environment. This means that you are learning the necessary skills to enter the workforce, while also practicing these skills in real workplace settings.
If you are trying to decide on a program, the pay can sometimes be a deciding factor; however, it is important to remember that many fields offer room for growth, certification, and further education to increase your expertise and your income level. At IntelliTec, we provide programs that will potentially continue to do well in the economy and can secure long-term employment for our graduates!
The Top 4 Highest Paid Industries
According to a recent article by Forbes magazine, the highest paying jobs often “require many different skill sets, they all tend to demand high levels of study, experience, and inflexible qualifications.” It makes sense that those who earn the most have the skills and experience to do well in the industry.
Starting with an associate degree or certificate from IntelliTec, our graduates are able to move into a successful industry with the right knowledge and many times with more experience than other entry-level job applicants. Get a leg up with us, and you’ll be in a dream job faster than you could have imagined.
In the Forbes article, the following four industries are listed as among the most lucrative. Of course, these statistics can vary based upon location and position held; however, for the most part, we have seen that these industries are continuing to excel across the board.
Software and IT Services
Ranked as the highest-paid industry on the list, software and IT services are continuing to grow. As we have all come to rely on technology and software more and more, the need for technology experts to stay updated, educated, and versed in the latest software is in high demand.
One of our newest programs, Computer Systems Technician, lays the groundwork for a lasting career in software and IT services. With room for growth through additional certifications, plus hands-on training, our graduates have opportunities to go on to fulfilling tech careers.
Our Computer Systems Technician graduates go on to pursue jobs as Information Technology Associates, Computer Systems Administrators, Mobile Device Specialists, and Information Security / Assurance Analysts. From these positions, there is plenty of room for growth in this constantly evolving industry.
Hardware & Networking
Number two on the list is hardware and networking. Similar to software and IT services, these positions also follow the trend of growing technologies and keeping people connected.
By developing specific skill sets, hardware and networking professionals are able to keep businesses running and customers happy through quick, helpful solutions. Having an understanding of the complex networking systems and the hardware that supports these systems gives our graduates a competitive edge when beginning the job hunt.
With the Computer Systems Technician program, hardware and networking careers are just months away. With the associate’s degree, you can find positions like Help Desk Support Specialist, PC Support Technician, Technical Field Support Specialist, Network Systems Administrator, Network Technician, Network Administrator, and more.
Manufacturing
Manufacturing, along with consumer goods and construction (two other industries within the top 10 highest-paid jobs), all signify a stark contrast in the demand for technology jobs: there are still a lot of jobs that require manual work, done by skilled humans!
Specifically, manufacturing is an industry that shows an important trend: knowing how to make things, follow intricate instructions, and create a final product are all skills that are highly valued in the workplace.
That’s why we offer career programs that focus on developing skills and thinking through complicated projects. While they are not directly connected to the manufacturing industry, they still are careers that require skillsets that few people have mastered.
Healthcare is a career choice that is not going away anytime soon; in fact, because of the growing aging population and the continuous battles with complicated diseases, healthcare is more important than ever.
While many people simply think of doctors when they think of healthcare, there are so many more positions that are integral to the patient’s experience. Lending a helping hand or simply being there to listen are important roles that are filled by many people in the medical field.
At IntelliTec, we give our graduates an array of options for entering healthcare. For instance, our Medical Assistant program can translate to positions in many medical settings, like physician offices, hospitals, nursing homes, community health centers, laboratories, veterinarian offices, sports medicine, and other medical specialities.
Along with our Medical Assistant Certificate, you can also become specialized as a Dental Assistant, Nursing Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician. You can also contribute to a patient’s overall health and well-being by training in Massage Therapy or as a Personal Trainer. Focusing on health from every level opens up a variety of career paths for our students.
What Careers Will Be Needed in the Future?
For our students, we want to invest in programs that will put them on the path to a long, fruitful career. While the industries listed above are the highest paying positions in 2017, what about the future?
In a report from CNBC, the news outlet shared findings from Kiplinger and economic forecast group EMSI. In their study, they compiled data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, tracking jobs that have the strongest job growth over the next decade.
From this data, they found that all jobs that will be successful in the future have two common properties: a good salary, and a manageable barrier to entry. That means jobs that are easy to start, require low (if any) debt for students, and will have a good return on investment over time.
From this list, the same trends are there: positions that require specialized training in technology and healthcare rise to the top. You can see the full list of positions in the article, found here.
Get a High Paying Job You Will Love – Apply Today
Have you felt stuck in a job and frustrated with no path forward? At IntelliTec, we get it. Jobs can be difficult to come by without the right training, and there is no better way to prepare for a job than through one of our programs.
By starting in a program today, you establish the skills needed to start a new job, grow, and become successful. Making the investment in your education today will pay off in the long run.
Interested in how our programs could benefit you? Click here to learn more about the programs we offer. Schedule a talk with our financial aid and career services departments, too. We are here to give you a full picture of your future. We are here for you every step of the way!
This month, we are excited to launch our latest certificate program – Computer Systems Technician! Offered at our Colorado Springs and Albuquerque campuses, the new program can be completed in as few as a quick 10.5 months, putting you on the fast track to a great new career.
As we all know, technology has become a major part of our lives. From how we communicate to how we buy goods, technology is an integral component in how we accomplish the most basic tasks. Especially for companies, the need for technology is growing, allowing businesses to meet customer needs and stay competitive.
Since companies are continuing to grow and improve their technological services – both internally and externally – it makes sense that skilled Computer Systems Technicians are in high demand. The number and variety of positions that are available allow professionals to choose a job that speaks to their personality and skills. You couldn’t ask for a more versatile or valuable career program!
Why Become a Computer Systems Technician?
But, you may be wondering, what does a career in Computer Systems Technology mean for me? Read along as we share some of the biggest perks of this new certificate program, which can help you decide if it’s the right career move for you.
Help Companies Do Business Better
Companies are continuing to expand their use of technology, not just for better customer experience, but also for better internal, employee communication.
For instance, many companies use intranet services that give valuable information to employees; they also use databases and management systems to help employees do their jobs more effectively. For customers, companies provide better mobile website experiences, more customer service, and online products that improve the customer experience.
By having a Computer Systems Technician professional on staff, a company can better manage the many modes of technology they rely on to make business successful. A technician who is on staff can find problems, provide solutions, and keep systems running smoothly.
Additionally, Computer Systems Technicians can not only prevent issues from occurring, but they can help innovate new ideas and strategies that improve business overall. Since our technicians learn the complexities of the trade in our program, they can provide real solutions that can drive sales, make communication better, or even expand services for a company.
Use Technology Skills to Help People
A common myth about the technology sector is that you work alone, with little interaction. While this can be the case in some positions, it is definitely not the trend.
Often, Computer Systems Technicians are people who enjoy helping others, solving problems, providing customer service, and working collaboratively. Since technology can sometimes be frustrating for those who do not understand it, a Computer Systems Technician is someone who is patient, can communicate well, and has a positive attitude.
A Computer Systems Technician role blends the innovative business mind with a customer-focused, helpful spirit. If you are looking for a meaningful career that helps others, but also uses technical skills to make a difference, you are in the right place.
Choose from a Variety of Positions
Just as technology is an evolving, diverse field, so are the positions that are needed in the industry. Whether you want to focus more on helping people or more on finding new technological solutions, there is a job for you.
The Career Services Advisors at IntelliTec College work directly with companies who are hiring in our communities. By knowing what employers want from our graduates, our instructors can create programs that prepare you for any role you might want.
Some of the most common positions for Computer Systems Technician Certificate holders are:
Information Technology Associate
PC Support Technician or Specialist
Network Systems Administrator (junior level)
Help Desk Support Specialist
Network Technician
Technical Field Support Specialist
Networking Administrator
Computer Systems Administrator
Information Security/Assurance Analyst (entry-level)
Mobile Device Specialist
With this program, you aren’t limited to just one position. In fact, because of your training, you can take on a job, then continue to grow, learn, and develop your skills over time to continue building a career in the technology sector.
Become a Skilled Professional
Even if you don’t know anything about information technology, you can come into this program and learn it all. Our industry-experienced instructors teach you in courses that progress from entry-level knowledge to advanced, technological expertise.
While some people may understand how to use a computer or phone, not everyone knows the ins and outs of these systems. Through this program, you truly become an expert in a field that is relatively foreign to many.
Learning the basics now prepares you for a long-term career that is filled with new challenges and exciting developments. The more technology grows and fills our daily lives, the more you have job security in a field that needs your skills.
Continue to Grow and Learn for Your Career
The beauty of technology is that it is always evolving and becoming more interesting. With our Computer Systems Technician Certificate program, you are able to then become certified for much more, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.
Our program prepares you for sitting for these certificate exams, and helps you decide what certifications are best for your career goals. We help you become prepared to sit for the following certifications: CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA A+ Certified Technician, CompTIA Network+ Certified Professional, CompTIA Security+ Certified Professional, Microsoft Technology Associate – Server, and Linux Essentials.
When you are learning with us, you will come to know more about each of these certifications and how additional growth and learning can help your career path.
Get a Job in One of the Fastest Growing Fields: Apply Today!
Think our Computer Systems Technician program sounds like a good fit for you? Jumpstart your next career move, and apply to our new program today.
With courses offered at both our Albuquerque, NM and Colorado Springs, CO campuses, you can find a program that works for you and your schedule. In less than a year, you can have all the skills you need to find a job that is rewarding, lucrative, and stable.
To read program success stories and to learn how this exciting new program can benefit you, click here.
Colorado Springs Automotive Technician program graduate John Sexton, Jr. lands job in record time in Phoenix, AZ. Soon after he was promoted to shop foreman. John trained hands-on at IntelliTec College for his Associate of Occupational Studies degree – which is designed to be completed in 18 months.
After Exiting a Career in the Military, John Sexton, Jr. Lands Job as Shop Foreman in Phoenix, AZ
Without a doubt, John Sexton, Jr. believes that setting priorities means getting things done. His scheduled approach allowed him work from 6:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., attend classes at IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and still be a single parent to his young son while his wife was deployed to Afghanistan.
“I have to be honest – I was pretty overwhelmed. I contemplated dropping out, but my dad convinced me to soldier through. He understood that very few people who dropped out returned to finish their degree,” recalls Sexton.
Career College Provides Valuable Hands-on Training and Unlocks New Career for Military Veteran in the Automotive Industry
Sexton originally attended a local community college, but he soon discovered it wasn’t a “fit” for him. He felt frustrated by the fact that he had to take classes such as math, science and English. He was slightly intimidated since he did not score as high as he’d hoped on the placement exams. With his almost 16 years of experience as a heavy duty diesel technician, he felt like he was in high school all over again.
“I wanted to earn my degree because I knew that it would open more doors career-wise than just my experience. I really didn’t want to take a bunch of electives that wouldn’t translate into needed skills on-the-job,” Sexton explains.
Auto Tech Graduate is Grateful for Instructor Support and Flexible Class Schedules
IntelliTec’s Automotive Technician program offered John more than just the right degree. It gave him plenty of hands-on experience plus a large dose of support by caring instructors. Sexton encourages others to consider IntelliTec College, because the school has a system in place to assist anyone who is trying to earn their degree while also juggling a work and family life.
“Mr. Gorman [Instructor and Automotive Technician Program Supervisor] understood that my wife was deployed, and I was working and taking care of our two year-old. He assisted me with anything that I needed, and that meant the world to me. He really helped me through the hard times,” comments Sexton.
Military Experience and Career-Focused Education Lands IntelliTec Graduate Employment in a Matter of Weeks
Finding employment was almost too easy for Sexton. Within two weeks of graduation he was offered a position with Superstition Trucks & Trailers in Phoenix, AZ – but not for the position to which he originally applied.
“I knew the demand was high for heavy duty diesel techs in Phoenix; that’s why I waited to apply until I graduated and was available to start work. But at Superstition Trucks & Trailers, I applied for the tech job one day and was promoted to shop foreman the next day!” says Sexton.
Article written by: Kaufman, Doug. Engine Builder Magazine, 2017
When it was launched in 2012, the Performance Engine Builder of the Year competition was Engine Builder magazine’s attempt to celebrate the unsung heroes of the racing world.
“After all, the driver, the crew chief, the team owner – heck even the driver’s dog – each get more TV time and fan recognition than the engine builder,” explains Engine Builder publisher/editor Doug Kaufman. Kaufman says there is an old adage about winning races: “To finish first, you must first finish. A less familiar adage is ‘You won’t even start the race without an engine.’
“And even less known but even more important is this,” Kaufman says: “If you don’t know how to build an engine you’re not going anywhere.”
To honor his commitment to Engine Builder’s third law, Dave Gorman, an Automotive Technician instructor at IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs, CO, was named the runner up in the magazine’s competition sponsored by Federal-Mogul Motorparts’ brands Speed-Pro POWERFORGED Pistons and Fel-Pro Performance Gaskets.
Dave Gorman, IntelliTec College High-Performance Instructor
“I am honored to be selected as the runner-up in the 2016 Performance Engine Builder of the Year supported by Engine Builder magazine. To be one of the few automotive colleges to receive such an award is something I am very proud of,” Gorman says.
The High Performance Engine Building Program at IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs started many years ago. This is Gorman’s 20th year teaching automotive technology with the last 10 years being at IntelliTec College. Early in his career he saw a void in the automotive educational system, specifically in the high performance engine capacity.
“I looked at some curriculum at some post-secondary automotive schools around the country that were teaching high performance engines and it was very generic with no depth,” Gorman says. “No scientific analysis or logic was being taught on when and why to install a certain high performance part. So I developed a 12-week HP program specifically on disassembly, design, blueprint and re-assembly, then fire-up with mostly domestic V8 engines that we have in-house on our running engine stands.”
Gorman runs a 12-week program on disassembly, design, blueprint, re-assembly and fire up on domestic V8s. He emphasizes the importance of supporting the future of this industry by working with today’s young people.
The students learn how to calculate component selection through science analysis, logic and physical facts along with the ability to design and build 1000+ horsepower engines.
“One of my favorite engine builds was a car I drag raced for 27 years – A 1973 Plymouth Road Runner GTX with a supercharged-alcohol injected 440 that produced 1155 HP with a flat tappet camshaft and Edelbrock street heads. The heavy Plymouth ran mid 8-second 1/4 mile times @ 162 mph at sea level.”
As expected with many teachers/instructors, the thrill of the job for Gorman is receiving positive feedback from the student body.
“The future of the high performance world is only getting better,” he says. “You MUST be educated on designing and building high performance engines if the vehicle in question is going to perform up to expectations.”
As part of his award, Federal-Mogul Motorparts and Engine Builder magazine donated a critical piece of test equipment to Gorman’s program.
Colorado Springs Automotive Technician students learn on High Performance cars.
“This is a rapidly changing industry,” explains Kaufman. “We are proud to support Dave Gorman’s and IntelliTec College’s commitment to equipping the next generation of passionate engine experts with the skills to be successful.”
Kaufman, Doug. “Dave Gorman, 2016 Performance Engine Builder of the Year Runner Up.” Engine Builder Magazine Jan. 2017: 16. Web.
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Partners in Refrigeration & HVAC
The Pikes Peak Mechanical Contractors Association presented an “Outstanding Educational Partner” Award to IntelliTec College staff for their involvement with the highly successful Enhanced Mechanic IV Program, including its initial design and approval. Pictured from left to right are Mr. Chuck Fonda, former HVAC/R Project Manager for IntelliTec College and current “hands-on” lab instructor, Ms. Joanie Johnston, Career Services Manager, Mr. Dave Ashmore, HVAC/R Program Supervisor and PPMCA President, Dan Rial. The PPMCA also wishes to send a big thank you to Mr. Mike Schranz, CEO of IntelliTec College, for his unending support of the program over the last three years, and to Mr. Ray Ada, Campus Director as well as all the other numerous support staff at IntelliTec College.
The Pikes Peak Mechanical Contractors Association salutes IntelliTec’s efforts in making the program a huge success!
About IntelliTec Colleges
IntelliTec Colleges provide hands-on career training in Colorado and New Mexico with Associate (Occupational Studies) Degrees and Certificate programs designed to be completed in 9 to 18 months. Campus locations includeAlbuquerque, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and Pueblo. IntelliTec provides a supportive learning environment with small classes sizes and caring instructors. Learn how you can improve your life with a meaningful career byrequesting information at www.IntelliTec.edu or calling 1-800-748-2282. IntelliTec Colleges are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Newly hired Refrigeration and HVAC Technician college graduate Brad Henry on-the-job with HomeLand Mechanical in Colorado Springs.
Genuine Respect Between Father-in-Law and Son-in-Law Leads to Successful Teaming at IntelliTec College and On-the-Job in Colorado Springs
Hollis “Brad” Henry and Christopher “Ryan” Slusher share more than just the fact that both men go by their middle names. This duo completed their Refrigeration and HVAC Technician associate degrees (Occupational Studies) at IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs within months of each other. They began working at HomeLand Mechanical within a few weeks of one another and hope to one day start their own business together. To top it all off, Ryan is married to Brad’s oldest daughter.
“We negotiate our days pretty easily. When we’ve been called out for repair work, we often tackle the less desirable tasks together so neither of us feels like we got the short end of the stick,” says Slusher.
The Growing HVAC-R Industry Beckoned Military Veteran Brad Henry
After 27 successful years in the military, Brad Henry retired in order to finally be home with his family. He spent a good part of his career on overseas assignments, particularly after the 911 tragedy. Once retired, he began contracting as a civilian for the military, but felt he was essentially performing the same job and was ready for a change.
Brad enjoys his favorite downtime passion; flying his two-seater airplane. Pictured with Loren Schowengerdt.
Henry did his homework, checking out a number of other colleges in Colorado Springs, but found IntelliTec “fit the bill.” He wanted to get right to business with hands-on training and put his love of fixing things to work again. The 18-month Refrigeration and HVAC Technician career training program was an obvious choice for him, employing both his love of technology and desire to work with his hands.
“After the military I wanted to write a new chapter in my life instead of writing the same one over and over again,” says Henry.
Henry’s Serious Approach to Academics at a Career College Made Finding a Job Easier
Henry found the transition back to college quite enjoyable.
Proud husband and father Brad Henry enjoys dinner out with his family. Pictured back row from left to right: Oldest daughter Stephanie Slusher, Brad Slusher, and his wife Denise. Pictured front row from left to right: Brad’s oldest grandson Jayton and his youngest daughter Katelyn.
He believes if you take it seriously and do what you’re supposed to be doing (reading and studying), the process is all rather straightforward. He advises that once out in the workforce you need to understand you will make mistakes. No matter who you are, let the mistakes be lessons and learn from them without letting them affect your confidence.
He began working as an HVAC Technician at HomeLand Mechanical several weeks before graduating from IntelliTec College with an Associate of Occupational Studies degree. HomeLand Mechanical is a commercial and residential heating and air conditioning business – veteran and family owned and operated. Henry enjoys the family-type atmosphere that husband and wife owners Bill and Ingrid Engler maintain for all the employees.
Henry knows learning occurs daily on the job, and he advises, “Employers know you’ll make mistakes, just don’t make the same mistake twice.”
Refrigeration and HVAC Technician graduate Ryan Slusher with his wife Stephanie.
HVAC-R Graduate Ryan Slusher Defines Happiness as Time Spent With His Family – Not Dollars in His Bank Account
Henry’s son-in-law, Ryan Slusher, learned quickly that money did not buy happiness. His six-figure salary and 12-hour workdays in the oil fields as a Safety Director left him little time with his family. It did not take much for him to be convinced to leave his job and join forces with Henry.
The two began discussing working together in the future, and once they determined this as a goal, it was time to decide on a career. Both men knew their strengths in the mechanical arena, and after a little research as to employment opportunities and salary potential in a number of trades, they quickly recognized the merits of HVAC-R. Slusher’s subsequent relocation to Colorado Springs was an obvious one as his wife’s family was already comfortably settled here.
“My father-in-law presented the idea of first going to college together and then hopefully one day working together. My wife and I probably thought about it for all of five minutes before packing up and moving to Colorado,” recalls Slusher.
Relocating a family and starting life over can be an overwhelming challenge, but Slusher admits his wife shouldered the household burdens so he could focus on getting back to school. She was his source of strength and would not let him quit for anything, despite her own struggles with time limitations and health constraints.
“I’d enrolled in college a number of times back in Texas but never went to class or ended up dropping the classes. At IntelliTec I didn’t have that issue because the program was fun and kept me interested. Plus, my wife, my true angel, pushed me through tough times with her constant encouragement,” he explains.
Brad Henry – HVAC and Refrigeration Technician program graduate of IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs. Brad is pictured at his graduation with son-in-law Ryan Slusher, grandsons, daughter Stephanie, and wife Denise.
A Shared Passion for the HVAC Trade and Respect for One Another Create a Unique Bond
Joanie Johnston, Career Services Manager at IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs, knew immediately this father-in-law and son-in-law duo were a force to be reckoned with. Henry’s maturity and strong work ethic – and Slusher’s determined job search approach and easygoing interviewing skills – made them a perfect fit for employment at HomeLand Mechanical.
Owner Bill Engler is one of IntelliTec College’s highly valued Program Advisory Committee (PAC) members for the Refrigeration and HVAC Technician program, with 36 years in the HVAC industry. He knew both Henry and Slusher were “green” as HVAC-R technicians, but have since proven themselves to be excellent technicians.
“When I interview potential employees, I make sure to ask a couple of very specific questions. First, is it something you are really interested in, and second, is it something you see yourself doing for life. This is a career that requires serious dedication, and I want the best people working for me,” says Engler.
Brad recommended Ryan to Bill Engler at HomeLand Mechanical, so he clearly respects Ryan’s abilities. They not only graduated within two terms of each other and now work for the same company, but they live together.
“You really have to get along with someone to spend that much time with them. While both are top-quality performers in their own right, they certainly complement each other and make an amazing duo,” says Johnston.
There is a notable level of respect between Henry and Slusher. It begins with their individual commitments to family first, followed immediately by a dedication to hard work and the integrity it takes to stick to what you start.
“In all the years I’ve known Brad, we’ve never disagreed or argued about anything. We get along really well and truly enjoy working together,” admits Slusher.
Henry adds, “It’s nice to work with your family, especially when you both have a passion for what you do.”
About IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs
IntelliTec College in Colorado Springs, CO offers hands-on career training in the technical trades, computer technology, medical assisting and personal training fields. These programs award either associate of occupational studies degrees or certificates and are designed to be completed in 10½ to 18 months. IntelliTec provides a supportive learning environment with small classes sizes and caring instructors. Learn how you can improve your life with a meaningful career by requesting information at www.IntelliTec.edu or calling 719-632-7626. IntelliTec College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
HVAC and HVACR technicians are in high demand. In fact, in Colorado, more than 1,000 new HVAC job openings are expected to be added by 2017.
Skilled HVAC Technicians Are In High Demand.
For many students, going to college isn’t the best option. This often has nothing to do with someone’s intelligence or ability. Many people are simply better with their hands or may not be interested in a job working in an office.
There are a number of high-paying jobs that don’t require a college education. For example, HVAC and HVACR technicians are in high demand. In fact, in Colorado, more than 1,000 new HVAC job openings are expected to be added by 2017.
Here is information about what these techs do, what types of jobs are available and what you can expect to make as a tech.
What Do HVAC Technicians Do?
HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Most people who are HVAC techs work on heating and air conditioning systems in either private homes or businesses. Their job is to control the temperature and air quality in buildings. Some technicians work in hospitals or commercial buildings on complex systems.
HVAC technicians are important because they make sure that homes and buildings are comfortable. They are also responsible for keeping air quality high. When HVAC systems fail, it can lead to high power bills, rooms that are too hot or too cold and even illness.
HVAC jobs are in demand. Learn what skills are most needed.
What Are the Most In-Demand HVAC Jobs?
Many technicians choose to focus on installing, maintaining or replacing HVAC systems. These are the most common types of HVAC jobs. However, most are familiar with all of these tasks. For HVAC installation technicians, the job usually involves connecting different systems. Installation techs may connect air ducts, heating and cooling units and water and fuel lines.
HVAC Repair and maintenance technicians normally test that parts of a system are working. If things aren’t working, broken items are replaced or repaired. Techs that do maintenance and repair may also adjust systems so that all rooms are heated and cooled evenly. They may also help keep systems from wasting energy.
Along with installation, maintenance and repair, some people choose specialized jobs. These jobs usually require at least a few years working as a tech. People may also need more education or certifications.
Fabrication mechanics make ductwork and need to be able to use metal fabrication machinery. Another specialty job is working as an HVAC system designer. This job requires techs to use computers to create HVAC systems. People can get both of these jobs without going to a traditional four-year school.
HVAC graduate Daniel Kindred was 26 years old and still working at an hourly job in the food industry, he realized one day he had reached his earning potential. He was bored and depressed and “wanted to make more money by entering a growing career in HVAC”.
The Heating & Cooling Industry is Facing a Shortage of Qualified HVAC Technicians.
One of the many reasons to go into the HVAC field is that many businesses really need employees. A lot of jobs require a four-year degree. However, HVAC technicians can be trained in a much shorter time-frame. There is a shortage of HVAC technicians throughout the country, and Colorado is no exception.
Employers need about 29 days to fill jobs that are like HVAC jobs. For companies looking for HVAC techs, this can take more than 36 days.
What is Causing the Increased Demand for Techs?
The need for HVAC workers is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.
There are three major reasons for the shortage of technicians. They are that people are retiring in large numbers, fewer young people are becoming techs and new technology requires more workers.
Workers are Retiring – One major issue is that baby boomers are retiring. This means that large numbers of experienced workers are leaving the workforce. It is estimated that about half of HVAC workers will retire in the next 10 years. Employers will have to replace old technicians and find new technicians as well.
People Assume the Best Jobs Require College – Many high school students aren’t choosing to become HVAC techs. There is a perception that the only way to get a good job is to go to college. In fact, many HVAC technicians make as much or more than people who go to a four-year school. This is especially true after someone has been working as a tech for a few years.
New Technology Requires More Workers – Finally, there have been a number of new developments in HVAC systems. People are more interested in eco-friendly heating and cooling. Ductless systems and heat pumps have also been replacing old heating and cooling systems. New types of units require technicians to install and maintain them.
Employers are you looking for HVAC Tech’s? Did you know about the HVAC-R training programs at IntelliTec Colleges in Grand Junction and Colorado Springs?
HVAC Career Benefits
There are a lot of benefits of being an HVAC technician. They include good pay, benefits and the ability to start a business.
It Pays Well – Many HVAC techs can make anywhere from $42,000 to $67,000 a year. Starting pay may be lower, but people can increase their income with overtime. During the hottest and coldest times of the year, a greater need for techs opens up extra hours.
Good Insurance and Benefits – HVAC technicians tend to have good benefits packages, because they are in high demand. The benefits offered will depend on the employer, but health and dental are often included.
Job Security – HVAC techs don’t normally have to worry about being laid off. Many other workers are being replaced by machines or seeing their jobs outsourced, but HVAC techs have good job security.
Work Environment – You have the opportunity to work indoors and outdoors, you will be on the go working at different locations, and no two days will be the same.
Business Ownership – A person also may find it easier to start his/her own business if he/she is an HVAC technician. About 16 percent of HVAC technicians run their own business. If you are interested in being your own boss, this may be the career for you.
Basic Requirements for Entering the HVAC Technician Field
There are only a few basic qualifications people need to start working or training as an HVAC tech. They include:
A high school diploma or GED
Being 18 years of age
Having a valid driver’s license
Taking and passing a substance abuse test
Passing a basic math test
HVAC technician checking the amperage on a residential heat pump.
Do You Love Using Tools? A Helpful Skill for HVAC Technicians.
To do their jobs, technicians have to be familiar with using a variety of tools. Tools used are:
screwdrivers
wrenches
pipe cutters
Some people will also need to be familiar with more specialized tools. These can include:
voltmeters
combustion analyzers
carbon monoxide testers
acetylene torches
HVAC Technician Training School vs Apprenticeship
While there are a few ways to become an apprentice HVAC technician, most people now attend Refrigeration & HVAC Technician Training programs. This can be easier than being an apprentice. Apprenticeships normally last three to five years. Apprentices also make less money.
Which Vocational Schools Offer Training for HVAC Techs?
These programs can also help you prepare for professional certification tests and various licenses. Getting these can help you get a higher paying job right out of school.
Once you successfully complete your Refrigeration and HVAC training program at IntelliTec college, you will be prepared to sit for professional HVAC industry certification exams.
Look Into Becoming an HVAC Technician: Make a Short-term Investment for a Great Career
You don’t have to spend years going to college to get a good job as an HVAC Technician, because:
There are a lot of job openings for HVAC techs in Colorado and the U.S.
These jobs pay as much or more than some jobs that require a four-year degree.
This career may also allow you to start your own business.
We are writing to inform you that our current and former students (and even their families) recently have been targets of online and telephone advertising programs that purport to offer student loan repayment assistance and/or debt forgiveness. You may have seen such advertisements on Facebook or on the Internet. Many of these advertisements prominently use IntelliTec’s name and photographs of IntelliTec’s campuses in their ads.
Please be aware that IntelliTec College is not affiliated or involved in any way with any such loan repayment or debt forgiveness offers, nor does IntelliTec College endorse or approve any of these entities.
None of the companies and offers are legitimate. There have been many reports in the last few years of scams in the student loan industry whereby companies charge significant fees (often hidden or undisclosed) for performing tasks that can be done easily or for free without the need for assistance. In worse cases, the people behind the scams are actually just out to obtain social security number and other private personal and financial information.
These “offers” are not just targeting IntelliTec students, but are targeting students from colleges and universities around the country. We are actively taking steps to stop these companies from targeting our students and alumni, including reporting these scams to the appropriate federal and state agencies.
Please always exercise care and caution when receiving or responding to any inquiries or offers concerning student loans or debt consolidation or forgiveness.
WHERE STUDENTS CAN GO FOR INFORMATION ABOUT STUDENT LOANS
All currently enrolled students should contact one of our Financial Services Representatives at their campus with any questions regarding their student loans
Former IntelliTec students should contact IntelliTec Colleges loan repayment advisor, Evelyn Mestas at emestas@intellitec.edu or 719-632-7626.
Evelyn can quickly identify a student’s current loan circumstances and steer you
towards the appropriate official entity for further assistance.
Intellitec Colleges has also partnered with USA Funds to provide free loan counseling assistance and budget planning information.
All students can find information about their existing loans, by contacting their loan servicer (official entity hired by the Department of Education to service federal loans). The Department has currently 11 loan servicers. If a student is not sure who their loan servicer is, they can find that information nslds.ed.gov
For additional federal student-loan repayment resources, visit
Scammers are constantly changing their scams, and sometimes it can be very hard to tell a scam from a legitimate offer. These guidelines may be helpful you. Before giving out your personal or financial information:
Treat all solicitations for debt relief or loan consolidation services as suspect until you can be sure they are legitimate.
Ask for the company’s physical address, direct phone number, and website. Check to make sure they exist and appear legitimate.
Check out the company’s listing with the Better Business Bureau bbb.org to see if they have a record of complaints or if they are registered at all.
For debt management providers, see if they are registered with Colorado Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section, and consider any disciplinary history in the list posted at coloradoattorneygeneral.gov/dm/consumer
NEVER give out usernames or passwords.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE BEEN THE TARGET OF A SCAM
If you already have been the target of a scam, in addition to any money you may have lost, you might be at risk for identity theft. You may want to consider doing the following:
Review your credit reports from all three credit reporting bureaus for fraudulent activity. You may obtain a free copy of your credit report each year from AnnualCreditReport.com
Place a fraud alert with each of the major credit reporting bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. Get more information at consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0275-place-fraud-alert
Report the scam to the Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov
Report the scam to your attorney general’s office. Colorado residents may do so at stopfraudcolorado.gov
While plenty has changed over the past few years, one thing remains true: computers are not going away anytime soon.
One of the most common resolutions in the new year for many people is to lose weight, get in shape, and feel better. This time of year becomes increasingly busy for one industry: 
While money is not everything when it comes to finding the right job, it can certainly help support your family and help you feel more satisfied with your career.
For our students, we want to invest in programs that will put them on the path to a long, fruitful career. While the industries listed above are the highest paying positions in 2017, what about the future?
This month, we are excited to launch our latest certificate program – 
Just as technology is an evolving, diverse field, so are the positions that are needed in the industry. Whether you want to focus more on helping people or more on finding new technological solutions, there is a job for you.
Mechanical Contractors Association presented an “Outstanding Educational Partner” Award to IntelliTec College staff for their involvement with the highly successful Enhanced Mechanic IV Program, including its initial design and approval. Pictured from left to right are Mr. Chuck Fonda, former HVAC/R Project Manager for IntelliTec College and current “hands-on” lab instructor, Ms. Joanie Johnston, 
