Information technology (IT) may be a tech-driven field, but it is far more hands-on than many people realize. Yes, programming languages and algorithms are important, but these really take shape in the context of direct interactions involving hardware, system configurations or troubleshooting.
These essentials are best explored through immersion, with hands-on training solutions promoting practical skill development while simulating tasks and situations likely to unfold upon entering the actual IT landscape. This is a priority at SJVC. Below, we will explain how to get hands-on training for IT tech and why simulations and externships are a critical part of this journey.
What Is Hands-on Training for Information Technology?
The basic concept of hands-on training involves active learning through immersion or direct experience.[1] This can take different forms in various degree programs, and depends a lot on how desired IT career skills will be applied upon entering the workforce.
In this way, hands-on training for IT can look quite a bit different from hands-on learning when preparing for roles involving, say, the skilled trades or clinical settings. That being said, IT training resembles other programs in that it also calls for extensive hands-on training, as described below:
Hands-On IT Training
In IT, hands-on training involves a focus on problem-solving, along with the use of specific hardware or software required to troubleshoot networks, manage databases or implement cybersecurity solutions. IT hands-on training often involves simulation software, although experiences such as externships also qualify. Ultimately, training is deemed hands-on if it promotes active participation and problem-solving.
Benefits of Hands-On IT Training
Hands-on training brings a wonderfully engaging element to IT instruction, fully immersing students into critical concepts so that practical applications are easier to observe and understand. This approach eliminates the gap between theory and real-world IT functions, ensuring that, upon graduation, you are fully prepared to navigate complex IT systems and unleash critical skills to address real-world challenges.
The “Hands-On” Advantage: What Sets SJVC’s IT Training Apart
Now you understand the value of hands-on IT training, it’s time to clarify where and how, exactly, this approach to IT coursework can be leveraged. Many programs offer immersive elements, but these can look quite different from one college to the next. Before you enroll in IT courses, be sure to clarify what, exactly, hands-on training involves at your college of choice.
At SJVC, IT training is industry-driven, taking the unique realities of the contemporary digital landscape into account. This includes many unique elements designed to reinforce crucial concepts and to enhance student confidence, all while providing powerful preparation so that future IT professionals can step into this fast-paced field with confidence.
Moving Beyond Theory: The Philosophy of Practical Learning
College lectures and readings can serve an important purpose, providing a basic introduction to IT concepts, along with illustrative examples of how key theories play out in various situations or scenarios. Ultimately, however, theory alone is insufficient.
In IT, there is a clear difference between understanding the interplay between hardware, software and networks and actually drawing on this knowledge to diagnose problems or configure systems. Advocates for practical learning believe that this can accelerate skill mastery while also promoting much-needed confidence.[2]
Learning by Doing: The Core Components of Hands-On Training
Whether offered virtually or in-person, hands-on training draws on the power of kinesthetic learning or learning by doing. Emphasizing direct interaction with learning materials, this approach moves beyond passive experiences (such as traditional textbooks or lectures) to reveal the power of immersion. In IT, hands-on training largely centers around simulations, which make it possible to actively manipulate virtual systems while exploring the intricacies of troubleshooting.
The Role of Experienced Instructors
There are many ways to get immersed within the modern IT landscape. While it can be tempting to take a self-directed approach to skill development, this lack of structure may ultimately stand in the way of comprehensive IT knowledge.
Instead, it is important to seek insight from experienced professionals, including faculty members who can share insights gleaned through years of success in the competitive IT ecosystem. Their guidance includes not only helpful introductions to foundational IT concepts, but also, tailored support as you navigate various simulations and immersive projects.
How SJVC’s Approach Prepares You for IT Jobs
Offering a career-focused approach to IT training, SJVC provides a well-rounded, yet carefully tailored curriculum, designed to equip you with the specific competencies for today’s competitive, yet opportunity-filled IT environments. Our IT training program is designed to be active, engaging and deeply immersive. Our goal is to help you not only grasp technical concepts but also to feel confident applying foundational IT components to real-world problem-solving scenarios.
Hands-on Training for Bridging Skills
Hands-on training promotes active skill development, which, in turn, can speed up the inevitable transition from theoretical knowledge to practical competence. IT is, after all, an applied field, in which success is not possible until you can move beyond pure conceptual frameworks to uncover and apply actionable solutions.
Hands-on training provides a lower-pressure way to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This approach can ultimately limit the potential for maintaining an IT skills gap.
Building a Practical Portfolio
These days, professional portfolios hold widespread appeal, extending beyond strictly creative fields to include technical pursuits such as IT. An IT portfolio can showcase your expertise through various projects and testimonials. This then gives employers a better understanding of which skills you’ve developed and how you are capable of applying them in the field.[3]
SJVC encourages portfolio development by providing the chance to navigate many active learning experiences that can ultimately be included in your professional portfolio. We can also help you craft a portfolio that stands out and ultimately, gives you a competitive edge.
Skills You’ll Master: Real-World Competencies Developed at SJVC
Offering a well-rounded approach to IT training, SJVC covers a wide range of skills and concepts relevant to the contemporary information technology landscape. As you navigate our Information Technology curriculum, you can expect to gain the following skills:
Foundational IT Infrastructure Skills
IT infrastructure includes many components, with hardware, software and networking largely regarded as the most recognizable.[4] SJVC’s Information Technology program provides a comprehensive overview of these essentials but also incorporates active learning experiences so that you can get a more tangible feel for how these components play into the big picture of information technology.
Networking Skills
Digital data runs through robust networks, which form the critical infrastructure, underscoring our modern digital ecosystem.[5] Given the foundational importance of networks in IT, it should go without saying that networking skills are vital to success in the field. These encompass the various technical competencies involved in setting up, configuring and troubleshooting networks.
Operating Systems
Operating systems serve as critical intermediaries within complex digital landscapes, allocating resources to manage diverse hardware and applications. SJVC’s IT program details operating system essentials such as graphical user interfaces, command line methods and file system management.
Hardware: Assembling, Maintaining and Repairing
The physical components known as hardware can be uniquely difficult to navigate without hands-on training. SJVC’s hardware-focused coursework draws on simulation software to aid in developing crucial skills for contributing and troubleshooting hardware.
Security and Data Protection
Security draws on layered, proactive strategies to safeguard critical networks and systems against digital attacks. This is a fundamental component of modern IT is explored through SJVC’s IT coursework. Detailing a variety of common vulnerabilities, SJVC’s security-focused course provides a well-rounded introduction to the critical practices used to secure systems, including cryptography, identity management and more.[6]
Threat Detection
Threat detection relies on tools and processes to pinpoint potential hazards before they have the chance to unleash widespread damage.[7] SJVC’s coursework covers concepts on threat detection and prevention solutions while also offering the chance to identify and analyze simulated threats.
Software Applications and Problem-Solving
A big focus of IT coursework involves the diverse array of software applications intended for end users. IT classes explore how this software can be installed and configured but also places a strong emphasis on troubleshooting and user support.
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting brings a structured approach to identifying and addressing a wide range of IT challenges. Success in troubleshooting begins with developing a comprehensive understanding of foundational IT concepts but also involves logical steps and frameworks to diagnose root causes and uncover potential solutions.
User Support
Problem-solving abilities must be tailored in the context of common client-facing challenges. This begins with knowing how to translate complex concepts to facilitate understanding among diverse users. Again, this is where externship opportunities can prove transformative, helping you develop and execute a variety of soft skills alongside technical competencies.
Common Questions Around SJVC’s Hands-on Training
As you consider where to learn hands-on training for IT, think carefully about what you can gain as an Information Technology student at SJVC. We’ve answered a few common questions below to help you understand what, exactly, the SJVC IT experience involves.
Is SJVC’s Hands-on IT Training Right for You?
If you learn best by doing, you could benefit greatly from SJVC’s IT hands-on training. This approach is also ideal if you are looking for a program that prepares you for direct career entry, as hands-on experiences will leave you feeling empowered to unleash your skills within the IT field.
What Is an Externship, and How Does It Provide Real-World Experience?
Externships involve real-world learning experiences, moving beyond the classroom to emphasize the actual settings and scenarios in which IT skills need to be leveraged.[8] This represents a critical next step in cementing IT understanding after gaining initial experience through simulations.
Discover the Online Hands-On Advantage With Immersive IT Training at SJVC
Discover the value of an online hands-on approach to IT training. This is the secret to success at SJVC, where we are thrilled to empower students with immersive training experiences. Begin your online hands-on IT training journey today with our Information Technology certificate program.
Sources:
[1] Indeed. “Hands-On Skills: Importance, Examples and Careers That Use Them.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/hands-on-skills
[2] Skulmowski, A. “Learning by Doing or Doing Without Learning? The Potentials and Challenges of Activity-Based Learning.” Educational Psychology Review. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10648-024-09869-y
[3] Eleven Recruiting. “How to Make an IT Portfolio.” https://elevenrecruiting.com/how-to-make-an-it-portfolio/
[4] CompTIA. “Top IT Skills in Demand.” https://www.comptia.org/en-us/blog/top-it-skills-in-demand-in-2024/
[5] Indeed. “Everything You Need To Know About Computer Networking.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/everything-you-need-to-know-about-networking
[6] National Institute of Standards and Technology. “Hands-On Learning Experiences Encourage Cybersecurity Career Discovery.” https://www.nist.gov/blogs/cybersecurity-insights/hands-learning-experiences-encourage-cybersecurity-career-discovery
[7] Cisco. “What Is Threat Detection and Response (TDR)?” https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/topics/security/what-is-threat-detection.html
[8] Indeed. “What Is an Externship? (With Benefits and Steps To Get One).” https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-externship