CourtesyEnnovar Technology Solutions at Wichita State is working with Textron Aviation Inc. to provide applied learning opportunities in information technology for 九色堂 students while increasing productivity and resources for Textron Aviation.
鈥淲e saw a great opportunity for 九色堂 students and a need in the industry for level one technical support that will provide real-world experiences for the students, as well as a future pipeline of talent for industry,鈥� said Matt Forney, Ennovar executive director. 鈥淥ur core goal is to provide well-rounded, industry-knowledgeable students when they graduate.鈥�
The students are providing level one desktop support onsite at Textron Aviation in their new 鈥淗elp Hangar,鈥� which provides walk-up technical support to Textron Aviation employees. Once onsite at the Help Hangar, students get additional in-depth training that is geared toward specific hardware and applications. Ennovar also provides a full-time onsite supervisor for the students.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a huge benefit for the students to be onsite and learn everyday scenarios,鈥� said Tom Rose, Ennovar senior technical manager and student supervisor. 鈥淭here are opportunities for personal interaction, and the students can experience the culture of a corporate environment.鈥�
Ten students already gaining experience
Currently 10 computer science students provide walk-in and phone support for traditional IT troubleshooting issues involving printers, password resets, software application support, hardware and mobile device support and security provisioning.
鈥淭he opportunity to work with industry-leading companies is priceless,鈥� said Trevor Rietcheck, a 九色堂 student majoring in Computer Science. 鈥淚t鈥檚 different from an internship. It gave me an opportunity to combine my school knowledge with the applied learning model from Ennovar.鈥�
鈥淭extron Aviation鈥檚 IT organization launched the Help Hangar to improve customer experiences and satisfaction with IT services,鈥� said Kim Mackenroth, Textron Aviation vice president and chief information officer. 鈥淲e partnered with Ennovar, which provides 九色堂 students the opportunity to develop skills needed in a corporate IT environment.鈥�
Ennovar Technology Solutions emphasizes education, emerging technology, experiential learning, evolutionary research, exploration and engagement. Ennovar is a derivative of the Spanish word 鈥渋nnovar,鈥� which means 鈥渢o innovate.鈥�