The fast track to developing transferable skills in IT & Cybersecurity starts here!

 

IT/Cyber Fundamentals

Who is it for?

This course is for students who want to professionally develop their skillset into IT and Cybersecurity. Participants will acquire the foundational knowledge, skills and abilities across six different domains of IT and Cyber.

What is it?

The skills taught in this course are those needed to succeed in an entry level informational technology or security job position. Participants will learn the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities through instructor-led education, hands-on training, and focused group discussions.

When is it ?

January 28, 2025 through March 25, 2025

Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm to 10pm, & Saturday from 8am to noon

*All times listed are CST

Where is it?

Remote training is provided with online course materials, a virtual training environment, and instructor-led zoom sessions.

HOW IT WORKS

  1. Submit your application by clicking above on “APPLY NOW”.

  2. We’ll send you a welcome email & start you off with a Technical and Non-Technical Assessment.

  3. Once both assessments are completed, we follow up with the details on how to schedule a time to “Meet & Greet” with the Forge Team!

  4. During the “Meet & Greet” be sure to come prepared with any questions you might have about the program, how training works, etcetera. Our team will explain how the training is structured & what you can expect to gain over the course.

  5. If we determine that this program is a good fit for you we’ll start getting you onboarded for training. If it’s not a good fit, don’t worry- we’ll provide you with some resources to get you ready for the next cycle of the program!

Prerequisites:

Participants must have a GED/High School Diploma or higher and a usable laptop or PC, strong internet connectivity, and an appetite for learning.

Schedule Options:

This 8-week program meets on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:00 PM -10:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Hybrid Delivery:

Online, Instructor-led; Comprised of full immersion training with on-keyboard active simulation, virtual classroom instruction, and coaching sessions.

Becoming Workforce-Ready

In addition to the course, you’ll have access to Employer Roundtables, Coaching Sessions, access to CareerScore, and graduates will receive a SmartResume.

 
 

Although Forge Institute is not a job placement service, we equip our graduates for success with interview coaching, resume and LinkedIn optimization, and job search workshops.

CURRENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Residents of Searcy, St. Francis, Chicot, Ashley, and Phillips Counties may be eligible for free training.

Grant that provides funding towards the tuition costs for Arkansans that want to participate in the IT/Fundamentals Bootcamp or 14-Week Cyber Training Bootcamp.

WIOA programs provide adult dislocated workers, underemployed & reskill candidates employment and training services.

 

Approved training vendor for individuals eligible to participate in the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) program.

Arkansans currently in a TANF/TEA Program may also be eligible for free training.

State-Approved WIOA eligible training provider

When you apply, let us know if you qualify for any of the above opportunities by selecting the box most applicable to you on the application!

If you’re unsure, check “I’d like to know more about financial assistance” & we’ll help determine eligibility.

Opportunities in the Industry

  • Open Positions

    There are currently over 1,900 open jobs in Arkansas and over 467,000 in the US. Industry expects the national workforce gap to reach 3.2 million in the next couple of years.

  • Job Search Expansion

    Cybersecurity job titles come in all shapes & sizes: Helpdesk - IT Coordinator - Systems Admin - Network Analyst - IT/Network Support - Security Specialist - Application Security - Data Security Analyst

  • Career Growth

    IT/Cyber Fundamentals provides the foundation to build upon and create a career in information technology & cybersecurity that's right for you.

  • What Our Graduates Are Saying

    “After undergoing this program, I’ve gained so much more than I even anticipated. I’ve made valuable connections, polished up previously learned skills while gaining knowledge in new concepts, rebuilt my confidence & reshaped my approach towards seeking employment, different avenues to pursue in my passion for IT such as meet-up groups & community events, and lastly, I met some amazing, unforgettable people.

    Altogether my experience with this Forge Institute program has tremendously changed me as a professional and as a person.”

  • What Our Graduates Are Saying

    "I was ready for a change-of-pace with a skill set that would be new to me, but entirely relevant to today's marketplace. The IT certification was ideal! There's a spectrum of opportunities, and the material was taught at a pace and in a format that worked perfectly with my real life!”

  • What Our Graduates Are Saying

    “Being involved with the Fundamentals program has helped me acquire additional skills and information needed to better clarify my career interest. I have also gained confidence in my potential for success. I now feel that I can do anything that I put my mind to, thanks to Forge. Plus, this program has helped me grow personally and will help me along the way toward reaching professional career goals.”

Additional Benefits

  • SmartResume

    Certified resumes and unbiased employer marketplace.

  • Insight Global

    Staffing services and free Career Resource Workshops.

  • ACDS

    ACDS facilitates IT apprenticeships with many Arkansas employers & can help you begin!

  • Career Circle

    A digital community focused on helping individuals take the next steps towards thier career goals!

Successful graduates can receive up to 3 credit hours towards their degree at one of our partnering colleges.

Apply Now

Not sure if you’re a good fit?

Let us help you find out. After you apply, we'll send you both a Technical and Non-Technical assessment before scheduling an interview.

This allows us to evaluate your aptitude for cybersecurity and discuss your options in the industry to determine if this training is the right path for you.