Topic: I need advice!! (Read 2317 times)

mc_cloud · « **on:** June 15, 2004, 03:01:16 pm »

ok...so i'm 18...fresh out of HS.... and im looking for a good job... throughout highschool i've taken CISCO classes and CSS classes...these classes were there to help me pass my CCNA and A+ certifications.... so to sum it up, I know a bunch about computers.

so about a week ago, i m looking on monsterjobs and I find this CTEC academy....they say there a partnership with microsoft... heres the URL

http://jobsearch.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=21870811&AVSDM=2004%2D06%2D05+12%3A01%3A00&Logo=1&col=dltci&cy=US&brd=1%2C1862%2C1863&lid=515&fn=660&q=

the CTEC academy hompage url is this www.ctecacademy.com

they say that you apply, get a cert of your choice and then they will hire you after you are certified.

so I apply, and I get a call 2 days ago. It's some HRO person from the company wanting to get information from me like, havfe I ever had an IT job before, what makes me qualified to join there program... blah blah

she tells me basically that they will fly me down to atlanta, GA for 2 weeks to attend a training course. In this traning course I will get a labtop for my use, and which I will get to keep, Plus 1000$ for extra expenditures while im down here... the program cost 1400 total, which they will pay for upfront, but I will have to pay back once im hired..... ok, so its not sounding too bad...she said I could set up payments of like 50-100 bucks a month.....

so I called them back today and they said I was accepted and they would fly me out as soon as next week...... ther are about 20 other people accepted as well.....

if I get cert. I would start at up to 25$ an hour pay.....prolly about 16-18$ an hour here...since its a smaller city........I live in NC.....they said they would get me a job in NC with there company (so I dont have to move) now.......... they said this is an apprentenceship program with microsoft...

my question is.........does this sound legit? would you go for it if you had the chance? basically......what do you guys think about this?

Capt. Mike · « **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:36:15 pm »

I'm assuming you checked them out via other resources....can't say...me, I'm pro military (USAF), wspecially since they started using enlised programmers to fill officer spots..they found there wasn't that much of a difference in knowledge..

Be that as it may..if they are fronting the money, what interest rate for payback..how long, do you have to work for who they tell you to? $1400 seems cheap..I've lived near Atlanta, and the housing could be that much depending on the area...

Two weeks sounds like they expect you to REALLY know something..and are just being indoctrinated into the company policy...

Just throwing it out..I'm not an expert..just a gov't contractor getting by 'til I'm 55

Mike

Dash Jones · « **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:38:27 pm »

That's really hard to say whether it is a scam or not. There's precious little information on it.

I've found links of people before the go try it who are really suspicious about it being a scam...haven't found ANYTHING on ANYONE who's graduated (maybe they kill off their students?) either positive OR negative.

Take a look at this

http://www.microsoft.com/india/education/msitacademy/membership.asp

There is also the Microsoft CTEC...you might see what Microsoft actually requires to be an official CTEC.

However, I was under the impression CTEC wasn't just one place, but several...

and using it in conjunction with Academy (The Certified Technical Education Center Academy??) seems wierd...

At the same time it could be extremely legit...and could be worth everything. In fact it could be worth the risk.

I don't know for certain what to say. Perhaps you could find the town or city it is located in, give the local police station a call and ask them what they think of the establishment?

Seeing it is a sub group of Microcom I found this.

http://www.gotrain.com/schools/1636.htm

I also found this at the Better business Bureau of the US, if this is the same place as you are referring too

Quote:

BBB Reliability Report

CTEC Academy
1395 South Marietta Parkway Building 200 Suite 234
Marietta, GA 30067

General Information

Original Business Start Date: May 1993
Type of Entity: corporation
Principal : Mr. Mike Henry Vice President
Phone Number: (770) 422-1102
Fax Number: (770) 422-1109
Type-of-Business Classification: Computers-Consulting/Training for Software/Hardware Industry

The information in this report has either been provided by the company, or has been compiled by the Bureau from other sources.

Nature of Business

This company offers computer training, staffing, & consulting.

Customer Experience

In this case, our complaint history for this company shows the business has responded to any customer complaints brought to its attention by the Bureau,
.

When evaluating complaint information, please consider the company's size and volume of business. The number of complaints filed against the company may not be as important as the type of complaints and how the company handled them.

Closed Complaints
Number of complaints processed by the BBB since the firm's BBB file was opened in January of 2002: 4
Number of complaints processed by the BBB in last 12 months: 0

Complaints Concerned
Advertising Issues: 1
Outcome of the complaint -
Company made good faith effort to Resolve: 1

Refund or Exchange Issues: 2
Outcome of all complaints -
Resolved: 1; Company made good faith effort to Resolve:
1

Contract Issues: 1
Outcome of the complaint -
Resolved: 1

Additional Information

Additional Phone Numbers: 770-422-1109 Fax
Additional TOB Classifications: Career & Counseling
Computers-Training
Employment Training
Educational Services

Company Management

Additional company management personnel include:
Mr. David Goldstein President

Additional File Information

Mike Henry, Vice President of CTEC Academy & David Goldstein, President of CTEC Academy are also associated with a company called MicroLearning.com. The Better Business Bureau maintains a seperate file on Microlearning.com.

Report as of 06/15/2004
Copyright 2004 Better Business Bureau

As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained herein is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.

The Better Business Bureau reports on members and non-members. Membership in the BBB is voluntary, and members must meet and maintain BBB standards. If a company is a member of this BBB, it is stated in this report.

In otherwords, your guess is as good as mine. I really have no idea of how good or bad the place is. It could be really good, and some of the things I've read actually say you do get an apprenticeship with Microsoft, however others are skeptical if it is real and they only get a cheap laptop with a few disks.

I'm not certain...whichever you choose, keep us updated and if you go, post what it's like and the reality. Also suggest to them that they get some word of mouth going about them on the internet...if they are good. You're right, there's almost no reliable information about them on the internet. Microcom I don't believe is that unreliable a company...but it's a thing that you have to decide for yourself, but do keep us updated.

SL-Punisher · « **Reply #3 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:38:40 pm »

Technical certifications are a good thing to have, but do keep in mind that your limiting yourself to tech-support positions.

I wouldn't trust all this job placement. You see all these classes do is prepare you to take one of the various tests involved with obtaining a CCNA, A+, MCSE, etc..similar in concept to those expensive SAT prep classes. It's good to take the classes, but often you'll find your local community college offers them for much cheaper. 15 bucks a unit

Sethan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:40:48 pm »

Sounds like a good opportunity - I would check it out though, and make sure that they do indeed guarantee hiring you - in writing - before I signed anything that set you up on a payment plan after the course was over. Otherwise, they could say "We guaranteed to hire you - as soon as a job was available. Now about those loan payments..." Even so, you could end up taking a lousy course, not getting your cert, and not getting hired - but still having to pay back your student loan.

Be wary. Assume they are trying to screw you and look for how they could do it. Check them out. Ask for references at Microsoft. Etc., etc.

Sten · « **Reply #5 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:47:15 pm »

I have seen these very same offers made in Asheville and Charlotte.

I see them around every 4-6 months.

You can take the offer and go to Atlanta or wait and see if they are offerec again this fall in Asheville or Charlotte. The last time I saw them offered was in April or May.

Dracho · « **Reply #6 on:** June 15, 2004, 05:26:31 pm »

CTEC or CTREC? One is generic, the other is a company.

As a former Microsoft Certified Trainer, all I can say is go for it. Be careful about the repayment schedule though.

The other thing is to find out how many hours per week you will work. Alot of the training companies might only work you for 2-4 hours per week, depending on how many classes they have etc. If they have the classes scheduled, and guarantee you 40 hours per week, then it sounds like a good deal.

Figure the company charges $1500 per 40 hour class. They put 15 students in each class, and they pay you $25 per hour (I made $40 back before trainers were a dime a dozen). They make $22,500 per class and pay you $1000.. not rocket science to see they are doing just fine.

JMM · « **Reply #7 on:** June 15, 2004, 06:33:12 pm »

Not only that Dracho, but McCloud is near the tech triangle area of N.C? They are third behind Silicon Valley and Austin in computer technology in the U.S. and developing VERY rapidly I might add. If I were you McCloud, take some time, do some research on high tech companies in the triangle are first, then schedule some visits with some people that have your field as their careers, they will be more than happy to give you accurate intel regarding their experiences and what paths are good for you.

mc_cloud · « **Reply #8 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:01:16 pm »

ok...so i'm 18...fresh out of HS.... and im looking for a good job... throughout highschool i've taken CISCO classes and CSS classes...these classes were there to help me pass my CCNA and A+ certifications.... so to sum it up, I know a bunch about computers.

so about a week ago, i m looking on monsterjobs and I find this CTEC academy....they say there a partnership with microsoft... heres the URL

http://jobsearch.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=21870811&AVSDM=2004%2D06%2D05+12%3A01%3A00&Logo=1&col=dltci&cy=US&brd=1%2C1862%2C1863&lid=515&fn=660&q=

the CTEC academy hompage url is this www.ctecacademy.com

they say that you apply, get a cert of your choice and then they will hire you after you are certified.

so I apply, and I get a call 2 days ago. It's some HRO person from the company wanting to get information from me like, havfe I ever had an IT job before, what makes me qualified to join there program... blah blah

she tells me basically that they will fly me down to atlanta, GA for 2 weeks to attend a training course. In this traning course I will get a labtop for my use, and which I will get to keep, Plus 1000$ for extra expenditures while im down here... the program cost 1400 total, which they will pay for upfront, but I will have to pay back once im hired..... ok, so its not sounding too bad...she said I could set up payments of like 50-100 bucks a month.....

so I called them back today and they said I was accepted and they would fly me out as soon as next week...... ther are about 20 other people accepted as well.....

if I get cert. I would start at up to 25$ an hour pay.....prolly about 16-18$ an hour here...since its a smaller city........I live in NC.....they said they would get me a job in NC with there company (so I dont have to move) now.......... they said this is an apprentenceship program with microsoft...

my question is.........does this sound legit? would you go for it if you had the chance? basically......what do you guys think about this?

Capt. Mike · « **Reply #9 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:36:15 pm »

I'm assuming you checked them out via other resources....can't say...me, I'm pro military (USAF), wspecially since they started using enlised programmers to fill officer spots..they found there wasn't that much of a difference in knowledge..

Be that as it may..if they are fronting the money, what interest rate for payback..how long, do you have to work for who they tell you to? $1400 seems cheap..I've lived near Atlanta, and the housing could be that much depending on the area...

Two weeks sounds like they expect you to REALLY know something..and are just being indoctrinated into the company policy...

Just throwing it out..I'm not an expert..just a gov't contractor getting by 'til I'm 55

Mike

SL-Punisher · « **Reply #11 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:38:40 pm »

Technical certifications are a good thing to have, but do keep in mind that your limiting yourself to tech-support positions.

I wouldn't trust all this job placement. You see all these classes do is prepare you to take one of the various tests involved with obtaining a CCNA, A+, MCSE, etc..similar in concept to those expensive SAT prep classes. It's good to take the classes, but often you'll find your local community college offers them for much cheaper. 15 bucks a unit

Sethan · « **Reply #12 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:40:48 pm »

Sounds like a good opportunity - I would check it out though, and make sure that they do indeed guarantee hiring you - in writing - before I signed anything that set you up on a payment plan after the course was over. Otherwise, they could say "We guaranteed to hire you - as soon as a job was available. Now about those loan payments..." Even so, you could end up taking a lousy course, not getting your cert, and not getting hired - but still having to pay back your student loan.

Be wary. Assume they are trying to screw you and look for how they could do it. Check them out. Ask for references at Microsoft. Etc., etc.

Sten · « **Reply #13 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:47:15 pm »

I have seen these very same offers made in Asheville and Charlotte.

I see them around every 4-6 months.

You can take the offer and go to Atlanta or wait and see if they are offerec again this fall in Asheville or Charlotte. The last time I saw them offered was in April or May.

Dracho · « **Reply #14 on:** June 15, 2004, 05:26:31 pm »

CTEC or CTREC? One is generic, the other is a company.

As a former Microsoft Certified Trainer, all I can say is go for it. Be careful about the repayment schedule though.

The other thing is to find out how many hours per week you will work. Alot of the training companies might only work you for 2-4 hours per week, depending on how many classes they have etc. If they have the classes scheduled, and guarantee you 40 hours per week, then it sounds like a good deal.

Figure the company charges $1500 per 40 hour class. They put 15 students in each class, and they pay you $25 per hour (I made $40 back before trainers were a dime a dozen). They make $22,500 per class and pay you $1000.. not rocket science to see they are doing just fine.

JMM · « **Reply #15 on:** June 15, 2004, 06:33:12 pm »

Not only that Dracho, but McCloud is near the tech triangle area of N.C? They are third behind Silicon Valley and Austin in computer technology in the U.S. and developing VERY rapidly I might add. If I were you McCloud, take some time, do some research on high tech companies in the triangle are first, then schedule some visits with some people that have your field as their careers, they will be more than happy to give you accurate intel regarding their experiences and what paths are good for you.

mc_cloud · « **Reply #16 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:01:16 pm »

ok...so i'm 18...fresh out of HS.... and im looking for a good job... throughout highschool i've taken CISCO classes and CSS classes...these classes were there to help me pass my CCNA and A+ certifications.... so to sum it up, I know a bunch about computers.

so about a week ago, i m looking on monsterjobs and I find this CTEC academy....they say there a partnership with microsoft... heres the URL

http://jobsearch.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=21870811&AVSDM=2004%2D06%2D05+12%3A01%3A00&Logo=1&col=dltci&cy=US&brd=1%2C1862%2C1863&lid=515&fn=660&q=

the CTEC academy hompage url is this www.ctecacademy.com

they say that you apply, get a cert of your choice and then they will hire you after you are certified.

so I apply, and I get a call 2 days ago. It's some HRO person from the company wanting to get information from me like, havfe I ever had an IT job before, what makes me qualified to join there program... blah blah

she tells me basically that they will fly me down to atlanta, GA for 2 weeks to attend a training course. In this traning course I will get a labtop for my use, and which I will get to keep, Plus 1000$ for extra expenditures while im down here... the program cost 1400 total, which they will pay for upfront, but I will have to pay back once im hired..... ok, so its not sounding too bad...she said I could set up payments of like 50-100 bucks a month.....

so I called them back today and they said I was accepted and they would fly me out as soon as next week...... ther are about 20 other people accepted as well.....

if I get cert. I would start at up to 25$ an hour pay.....prolly about 16-18$ an hour here...since its a smaller city........I live in NC.....they said they would get me a job in NC with there company (so I dont have to move) now.......... they said this is an apprentenceship program with microsoft...

my question is.........does this sound legit? would you go for it if you had the chance? basically......what do you guys think about this?

Capt. Mike · « **Reply #17 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:36:15 pm »

I'm assuming you checked them out via other resources....can't say...me, I'm pro military (USAF), wspecially since they started using enlised programmers to fill officer spots..they found there wasn't that much of a difference in knowledge..

Be that as it may..if they are fronting the money, what interest rate for payback..how long, do you have to work for who they tell you to? $1400 seems cheap..I've lived near Atlanta, and the housing could be that much depending on the area...

Two weeks sounds like they expect you to REALLY know something..and are just being indoctrinated into the company policy...

Just throwing it out..I'm not an expert..just a gov't contractor getting by 'til I'm 55

Mike

SL-Punisher · « **Reply #19 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:38:40 pm »

Technical certifications are a good thing to have, but do keep in mind that your limiting yourself to tech-support positions.

I wouldn't trust all this job placement. You see all these classes do is prepare you to take one of the various tests involved with obtaining a CCNA, A+, MCSE, etc..similar in concept to those expensive SAT prep classes. It's good to take the classes, but often you'll find your local community college offers them for much cheaper. 15 bucks a unit

Sethan · « **Reply #20 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:40:48 pm »

Sounds like a good opportunity - I would check it out though, and make sure that they do indeed guarantee hiring you - in writing - before I signed anything that set you up on a payment plan after the course was over. Otherwise, they could say "We guaranteed to hire you - as soon as a job was available. Now about those loan payments..." Even so, you could end up taking a lousy course, not getting your cert, and not getting hired - but still having to pay back your student loan.

Be wary. Assume they are trying to screw you and look for how they could do it. Check them out. Ask for references at Microsoft. Etc., etc.

Sten · « **Reply #21 on:** June 15, 2004, 03:47:15 pm »

I have seen these very same offers made in Asheville and Charlotte.

I see them around every 4-6 months.

You can take the offer and go to Atlanta or wait and see if they are offerec again this fall in Asheville or Charlotte. The last time I saw them offered was in April or May.

Dracho · « **Reply #22 on:** June 15, 2004, 05:26:31 pm »

CTEC or CTREC? One is generic, the other is a company.

As a former Microsoft Certified Trainer, all I can say is go for it. Be careful about the repayment schedule though.

The other thing is to find out how many hours per week you will work. Alot of the training companies might only work you for 2-4 hours per week, depending on how many classes they have etc. If they have the classes scheduled, and guarantee you 40 hours per week, then it sounds like a good deal.

Figure the company charges $1500 per 40 hour class. They put 15 students in each class, and they pay you $25 per hour (I made $40 back before trainers were a dime a dozen). They make $22,500 per class and pay you $1000.. not rocket science to see they are doing just fine.

JMM · « **Reply #23 on:** June 15, 2004, 06:33:12 pm »

Not only that Dracho, but McCloud is near the tech triangle area of N.C? They are third behind Silicon Valley and Austin in computer technology in the U.S. and developing VERY rapidly I might add. If I were you McCloud, take some time, do some research on high tech companies in the triangle are first, then schedule some visits with some people that have your field as their careers, they will be more than happy to give you accurate intel regarding their experiences and what paths are good for you.

News:

Topic: I need advice!! (Read 2317 times) var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};

mc_cloud

Capt. Mike

Dash Jones

SL-Punisher

Sethan

Sten

Dracho

JMM

mc_cloud

Capt. Mike

Dash Jones

SL-Punisher

Sethan

Sten

Dracho

JMM

mc_cloud

Capt. Mike

Dash Jones

SL-Punisher

Sethan

Sten

Dracho

JMM

Topic: I need advice!! (Read 2317 times)