Chicago Cook Technology Academy
About the Chicago Cook Technology Academy
Cook County has partnered with Microsoft and National Able Network to form the Chicago Cook Technology Academy, a free 11-week program that provides veterans with critical career skills in the technology industry. Participants are trained in cloud development or cloud administration and upon completion will have the opportunity to interview for full-time positions in this field.
Training is delivered in-person by IT Career Lab expert instructors on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. IT Career Lab is a division of National Able Network that trains and prepares students to earn industry-recognized certifications.
Click here to complete the Tech Academy application.
Classes are focused on Microsoft Cloud Technology (Azure) and Computer Networking (CompTIA Network+).
About Microsoft Azure Administrator (AZ-104)
After completing the CompTIA Network+ unit, students begin studying for the AZ-104: Microsoft Azure Administrator credential. This course teaches IT professionals how to manage their Azure subscriptions, secure user identities, administer Microsoft-cloud infrastructure, configure virtual networking, implement storage solutions, create virtual machines, implement web apps and more.
About CompTIA Network+
The Network+ validates a person’s knowledge and skills to: design and implement functional networks; configure, manage and maintain essential network devices; use devices such as switches and routers to segment network traffic and create resilient networks; and implement network security, standards and protocols.
Class Schedule
Classes are anticipated to begin during the following timeframes:
- October 20222
- May 2023
- August 2023
- April 2024
- July 2024 - Applications due by midnight on July 14, 2024. Classes will start July 22, 2024.
Required Documentation
Once accepted into the Tech Academy, the following materials will be collected during orientation, which is held the week before class begins:
- DD214 form (or transition orders)
- Driver's license (to make an official copy)
- Social security card (to make an official copy)
Questions
If you have any questions about the Tech Academy, please email IT Career Lab at info@itcareerlab.org or call 312-994-4200.
How to Apply
Veterans interested in learning more about this opportunity can attend an information session hosted by IT Career Lab. Click here to sign up.
Follow these steps to complete the application:
- Click here to complete the Tech Academy application.
- Work with an IT Career Lab recruitment and admissions consultant to verify eligibility for grant funding.
Once a veteran is both accepted into the program and approved for grant funding, they’ll receive details about enrollment and orientation for the next class start date.