Java training offers hope for at-home career
4/12/2001 2:31:47 PM
April 11, 2001 - Like most Newfoundlanders, Danica Taylor was tired of out-migration and the number of young people having to leave this province to find work. But at 33, the Corner Brook native found herself unemployed. Although she had several job prospects, she heard of the new Java/Teleworking program being offered at College of the North Atlantic and was immediately interested.
“I head about the program from a friend who worked in economic development in Corner Brook,” says Taylor. “After doing some research, I decided to enroll. The teleworking aspect of the program was of particular interest to me because I could remain in the province and even work from home in a financially secure career.”
Java is a fairly new computer language that is platform independent, meaning a software company can write a program in Java and it will work on any computer. Before Java, programs had to be written in several platforms (such as IBM compatible and Macintosh), increasing a company’s costs.
Karen Mulrooney was instrumental in getting the program offered at the college.
“I was working as an employment counselor in the Riverhead/St. Mary’s Bay area and day after day I spoke with clients wishing to train for careers, leading to secure, well paying positions in their own communities,” says Mulrooney. “In a community with no major employer except for a seasonal fish plant, technology seemed to be the only answer.”
Mulrooney approached Steve Quinton, the college's Chair of the School of Information Technology, and Des Whalen of Pivotal Networks. After several discussions, it was decided that an 18-month program in Java programming and teleworking would be best.
“We now have a class with 20 students started in Placentia,” she says.
Students in the program will first learn the skills of programming and write the Sun Microsystems certification exam in semester five. They also complete 10 courses in teleworking, making them employable as Java programmer teleworkers. Graduates can then work for companies all over the world, right from their own homes!
“The demand for qualified Java professionals is high and is growing rapidly,” says Mulrooney. “Java is the fastest growing language in the IT industry. The skills the students are learning will prepare them to compete for employment all over the globe. Teleworking is not their only option however, and if students prefer to work directly with a company this option also exists.”
Taylor agrees.
“Job prospects for Java programmers/teleworkers look great, now and into the future. From my research on the web, there is a high demand for Java programmers in Canada and in the United States. Many large corporations are using Java or are being sold on the idea and I foresee a shortage of qualified people to provide this service in the next few years,” she says.
“It would be nice to be able to work here in Newfoundland upon graduation, but if required to travel abroad for a year or so to gain more experience, I am willing to do so. Having to go away for a short period would be a small price to pay to ensure a solid foundation for a career here in the province.”
Taylor sees the use of Java programming as positive in two ways. Not only can Newfoundlanders and Labradorians find work without moving away, but it may be a saviour for rural areas of the province.
“Java and teleworking can definitely be an answer to bringing rural communities from the shadows and into the light,” she says. “With the collapse of the fishery and lack of employment in many areas, this can be a saviour. Newfoundlanders are home-bodied people and training such as the Java program could bring our torn province and communities back from their hardships.”
Taylor looks to Ireland as an example of how IT has helped turn around a fledgling economy.
“Ireland was in much worse economic condition than Newfoundland as little as 10 years ago,” she says. “Now they rank third in the world for information technology. Maybe it’s time for us to follow Ireland’s example in this regard and grab hold of this golden opportunity while it exists.”
In order for that to happen though, Taylor feels some infrastructure improvements are needed.
“Several supports need to be in place for us to be able to make something of this opportunity,” she says. “Java programmers must be encouraged to stay in this province as it will be of no benefit if their expertise goes elsewhere. More awareness is required to show people what Java Programming/Teleworking involves. The program has to be offered at more locations around the province and funding should be readily available for those wishing to pursue such a career. Finally, high-speed internet access should be in the works now! Fiber optics have to be put in place in chosen areas all over the province. More attention has to be brought to this issue, as none of this can work without the hardware being in place!”
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For more information contact:
Stephen Lee
Communications Officer
College of the North Atlantic
Tel: (709) 643-7928
Fax: (709) 643-7932
Email: stephen.lee@northatlantic.nf.ca