Image: N.C. 911 Board Executive Director Pokey Harris speaks to high school students about IT-related careers in the 911 field.
The N.C. Department of Information Technology recently hosted visits by high school students at its facilities in Raleigh as part of the department’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce in North Carolina.
Students from Millbrook High School visited on Jan. 12 and students from North Wake College and Career Academy visited on Feb. 2 to learn about how the department serves the state and possible career pathways in technology.
Data center staff Daryl Weeks and Tony Cuglietta talked with the students about how data centers work. The students also participated in a hands-on exercise to assemble the network cables that connect data centers. Incident Management Center staff showed the students how they monitor and address any issues on the state networks and systems.
“I loved the tour. It was informative, fun and a great look into the IT world,” one student wrote in a feedback survey .
Secretary Jim Weaver and Chief Operating Officer Torre Jessup talked with the students about IT career opportunities, while Internship Coordinator Yori Lucien shared about internship opportunities at NCDIT open to high school students.
"The part of the trip that I enjoyed the most was hearing others speak to me about technology because NCDIT has the experience, not me, so any time I can gain knowledge, I take advantage of it," a student wrote. "The internship presentation was my favorite not only just because of the opportunities provided but also because they talked about having an internship for HBCU students."
N.C. 911 Board Executive Director Pokey Harrison explained how NCDIT helps support North Carolina’s statewide IP telephony network for 911 calls and detailed the various career pathways in 911 call centers. Students also had the opportunity to observe the 911 Board’s Network Monitoring and Assistance Center, which helps ensure reliable communication for emergency call centers across the state.
"Going to the 911 center and learning just about the job allowed me to think about another profession or part-time job I want to participate in," one student wrote.
View more photos from the student visits on Flickr.