Selection Tools
Most Networking Academies require candidates to complete an application
including: name, address, telephone number, pager number, e-mail address,
date of birth, marital status, number and ages of children, education
history, employment history, hobbies, organizational memberships and
languages spoken. Some Networking Academies request disclosure of any substance
abuse history or convictions. The application can be used later to
help graduates prepare a resume.
Sample application forms:
Most adult community-based training programs request proof of
a high school diploma or GED, because employers will require it
as well. Most high schools require a passing grade point average
and demonstrated reading comprehension for entry.
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How do you find a serious, high energy, enthusiastic, self-motivated,
life-long learner with an aptitude for networking and communicating?
The interview is often considered more telling than academic
scores or non-academic obstacles.
"Communities in Schools interviews the student and the
parents. They try to put computers in the home and get parents
involved."
Dennis Quatrine,
Henry Ford Community College Regional Academy
Detroit, MI
Many Networking Academies agree that the purpose of the interview
is to determine the person's desire and level of commitment.
Before making a commitment of time and/or money, individuals
should know industry expectations for work schedule, overtime,
job tasks, job opportunities, salaries, further training,
industry culture, dress, behavior, etc.
"During the interview, I give them scenarios of what it
will be like on the job. For example, I tell them you might
be at work one day, getting ready to leave at five o'clock,
the network goes down and you might have to stay 2 hours,
12 hours or 48 straight hours. Who will take care of your
children, pets or plants?
"You might be working for an IT service provider who assigns
you three customers in three very distant parts of the region.
Do you have a driver's license and car? How much do you like
computers? Computer nerds are your competition. They don't
spend long hours working with and reading about computers
because it's their job. They do it because it's what they
like."
Linda Hanks
Focus: HOPE
Detroit, MI By providing a comfortable, yet
serious environment for the interview, Networking Academies
can ask and answer sensitive questions. This is where an adult
can talk about a substance abuse problem or a possible conviction.
This is where an interviewer can ask about that 2-year gap
in the employment history. This is the time to discuss the
possibility of removing the tongue ring or getting a hair
cut.
"There are things you try to look for in an individual
you would want to hire or that you think would want to do
this job. You want to know how badly they want to do it. Sometimes
I ask, 'If it's [Cisco training] really that important, will
your family pay for you?'"
Bennie Sanders
Reach Across Houston
Houston, TX
Though labor intensive, interviews can reveal diamonds in
the rough.
Samples:
Some Networking Academies use student learning and parent contracts
to communicate rules and expectations. The contracts create a formal
commitment and a willingness to sign the contract identifies a serious
student.
"Acceptance is based on student interest, and recommendations
from counselors and teachers. In draft is a student contract that
has the student commit to 95% attendance and a general average of
2.0. Also, a parent contract explaining the benefits of the program:
technology skill, summer job, paid internship and potential college
credits earned during the senior year. The purpose of the parent
contract is to obtain support outside the classroom and educate
the parent."
Jose Velazquez
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
Samples:
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