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Google offers online entry into IT field in a year or less
January 16, 2018
Google, the most ubiquitous search engine on the planet today, has long faced an issue that many other companies also contend with -- open IT support roles, and not enough qualified candidates to fill them. A few years ago Google personnel began working with a non-profit organization to build out trainings and pathways to roles in technical support at Google.

"We learned that not only is IT support a highly teachable field, but that we could teach someone completely new to the industry the IT fundamentals in about eight to 12 months," they wrote. "So, we decided to build an IT training program on Coursera, created entirely by Googlers who are expert in IT support, so that this training could be available to everyone."

Google IT Support Professional Certificate program is designed to take beginner learners to job readiness in eight to 12 months, and it's part of Grow with Google, an initiative that draws on Google's 20-year history of building products, platforms and services that help people and businesses grow.

Through programs like these, they aim to help everyone, those who make up the workforce of today and the students who will drive the workforce of tomorrow, access the best of Google’s training and tools to grow their skills, careers and businesses.

The total cost of this self-paced learning program is just $49 per month. But for a limited time, Google is providing full financial assistance for qualified US residents who need support. To be eligible for financial assistance, you need to apply here by February 20. If selected, you must enroll in the IT Support Professional Certificate program by February 27 to receive assistance.

You'll be prompted to complete an application and will be notified if you are approved. Once approved, you’ll have access to all six courses in the certificate program.

This six-course certificate, developed exclusively by Google, includes innovative curriculum designed to prepare you for an entry-level role in IT support. A job in IT can mean in-person or remote help desk work, either in a small business or at a global company, like Google.

Through a dynamic mix of video lectures, quizzes, and hand-on labs and widgets, this program will introduce you to troubleshooting and customer service, networking, operating systems, system administration, automation, and security.

Along the way, you’ll hear from Googlers with unique backgrounds and perspectives, whose own foundation in IT support served as a jumping off point for their careers. They’re excited to go on this journey with you, as you invest in your future by achieving an end-of-program certificate.

If you dedicate 8-10 hours a week to the courses, you can complete the certificate in about eight months. You can also skip through any content that you might already know and speed ahead to the graded assessments.

Whether you’ve been tinkering with IT or are completely new to the field, this could be the ideal place to start ... No prior experience required. Click here to learn more.
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