Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1219491
64 I ICT TODAY too, so I know exactly what our trucks need to get jobs done and to be ready to go to a job." Tjader already had much of what companies say are key for ICT employees to be successful, but how many other Don Tjaders are out there? How many other indi- viduals could excel if they only knew the ICT industry and its opportunities existed? CONNECT WITH MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Some labor experts say getting the word out to middle and high school students is critically important to build- ing a pipeline of workers. Many students do not under- stand the difference between ICT and IT work. Getting guidance counselors excited by providing them with information about the opportunities in ICT could help attract students who do not see themselves sitting behind a computer all day. Ehrgott explains, "This is something I wished my guid- ance counselor would've told me 21 years ago when I was graduating from high school, but they were pushing post- secondary education as opposed to trade skill. There's always other choices besides college that allow you to be successful both financially and in terms of stability. You do not necessarily need a full four-year degree, and you don't need to incur all the student loan debt. There are other options out there, and there's nothing wrong with working with your hands for a living." Some high school students are beginning apprentice- ships that allow them to work and go to school while learning the ICT industry. The National Joint Appren- ticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) is the largest group offering apprentice opportunities in electrical and low voltage wiring using local branches of the Interna- tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). The apprenticeship takes about three years to complete and prepares people to work in ICT-related jobs. PRIVATE PARTIES MAKE AN IMPACT The band Metallica, known for its heavy metal music, is an extremely philanthropic organization. The group is making an impact on people and communities across the country, stepping far outside of the typical stereotype of a heavy metal band. Metallica formed the All Within My Hands Foundation. According to its website, the foun- dation "...is dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hun- ger, and other critical local services." The foundation ear- marked $1million for technical colleges to meet the train- ing needs of local businesses and help fill a pipeline of qualified workers. Ten community colleges received $100,000 to sup- port students who are training to enter the U.S. work- force. Gateway is using its grant to train future telecom- munications workers in a program called Telecom on Demand. These students will become the first cohort of Metallica Scholars. There is added bang for the buck that comes with the Metallica grant. Having a big name associated with the program allows technical colleges to generate significant media interest. The other nine technical colleges to receive the Metallica grant include: • Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina • Clackamas Community College in Oregon City • College of Lake County in Grayslake, Illinois • Community College of Baltimore County • Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan • Lone Star College in The Woodlands, Texas • North Idaho College • Spokane Community College • Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology in Kansas As a key enabler of productivity for providers of products and services, a shortage of ICT workers could have significant impact on economic growth and global competitiveness.