Sarah Holland
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 22/99) - As the high-tech world of computers expands faster than many can follow, an increasing number of people are realizing that computer skills are essential, especially when it comes to employment.

Not only are computer-oriented careers growing, but almost any job requires some form of computer knowledge.

If you are one of the many who are considering learning or upgrading your computer skills, you're in luck. Yellowknife is home to a number of computer training programs, whether it be individual courses or certificates/diplomas.

The Academy of Learning offers both diplomas and single subject courses. They offer bookkeeping and office procedures, and also more detailed courses ranging from WordPerfect to graphics, spreadsheets and accounting.

The Academy of Learning allows students to work at their own pace while working a full-time job, if necessary. "Some students take evening courses and stretch them out over a number of months, but most of the students come in on a daily basis for about four or five hours," says Thomas Wunderlin, a director and owner at the academy.

Aurora College in Yellowknife, while not having any computer-specific programs, does offer the first year of Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton electrical engineering program. They also run computer courses as part of their management studies certificate.

Nunavut Arctic College offers a full-time computer specialist program, which is a one-year certificate. They also offer part-time and individual courses ranging from a basic introduction to advanced Excel and the Internet.

"We can customize training for businesses as well, if a company wants an employee to upgrade their skills," says Registrar Penny Dominix of Iqaluit.

With campuses in Iqaluit, Cambridge Bay and Rankin Inlet, and numerous learning centres across the North, Nunavut Arctic College is accessible for many interested in learning or upgrading their computer skills.

The computer company SSI Micro has training labs in Fort Providence. They use a define and design method -- they first establish the client's needs and then create a specific program to meet those needs.

"We help a lot of people upgrade their skills so they can find jobs, especially in Microsoft, Corel and Lotus Suites," says Craig Broddy, the training services manager for SSI Micro in Fort Providence.

"Most employers are looking for people with some level of computer experience and understanding. Computers are infiltrating every business."

MicroAge is a prometric testing centre. If you want to be a certified MCSE (Microsoft certified systems engineer), for example, you need a site to take the tests and MicroAge is one place to do so. Service technicians also have to write individuals exams (Apple etc), and can do so at MicroAge.

Tamarack computers offers full day, half-day and evening courses, and does individual or group sessions. The courses offered vary from basic WordPerfect to Access, Internet and Web site design. Tamarack offers all levels, including basic, intermediate, advanced and specialist. They can also custom design courses to meet people's specific needs.