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AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2001 Awards: IT Professional Retention & Recruitment

WINNER Idaho: Information Technology Training Program
[Download Nomination - Word]
The Information Technology Training Program (ITTP) is a collaborative, web-based program, combining IT training resources from the State of Idaho including state agencies, higher education, major computer hardware and software firms and businesses, and private training organizations. In Idaho state government, there was no centralized approach toward attracting IT talent, nor identifying IT human resources on a statewide basis. Training opportunities were handled manually and specifically for each agency. Answering questions regarding cost, numbers trained, and type of training was virtually impossible on a statewide basis. ITTP now provides a centralized data collection repository for statewide information in addition to creating one-stop shopping for IT training.

ITTP provides multiple methods of instruction, uniform curricula standardized for statewide delivery, and customized classes available on request. In addition, ITTP utilizes certified classes and instructors, focusing on professional development career track offerings. ITTP is easy to use with its online query of curricula, prerequisites, class sizes, schedules and enrollment, registration, class confirmation and permanent training record maintenance.

Any state employee can logon to ITTP Online at http://ittp.state.id.us/ ittp/index.htm and view schedules of all approved state IT training vendors. With a login and password an IT manager can search classes, register employees, check on the status of a class or registration, and generate training reports for their agency, division or a specific employee. In addition, all billings are handled via the web creating a paperless registration, reporting and billing system.

In 1997 the state contract for training was not renewed and as a result, a new competitive environment was created in which ITTP has built a working relationship with all state approved vendors to provide state IT training. Subsequently, the quality of training has increased while the price of training dropped substantially. The cost of a high-end technical class dropped from an average of $1,900 in 1998 to $795 in January of 2001. The price drop has saved the state approximately $500,000 in the first year of operation alone.

The training program evolves to meeting ever-changing training needs of Idaho state government's workforce. ITTP's new website went live in December 2000. Presently, the ITTP staff is training private and public vendors, and the large agencies’ IT managers on the new system. Upon completion, the rollout will continue with the field office training. Full implementation is expected by the end of 2001.

Contact Information: Dr. Clifford L. Green, Technology Education Program Manager, Division of Professional-Technical Education, Department of Administration, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0095, (208) 334-3216, Fax: (208) 334-2365, cgreen@pte.state.id.us

Other Nominations:
Click on the link to download program submission.

Indiana
Web Based Training: A Solution to Retaining Indiana Workers

Texas
Texas IT Academy: A Public Private Cooperative Venture

Tennessee
Information Systems Cooperative Education Student Program

Wisconsin
From Concept to Reality