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EmerTech succeeds where most others have failed

by Kathy Hagood
Brevard Technical Journal

Gerry Riley, General Manager of EmerTech in Melbourne, illustrates a concept on the whiteboard. Photo by Kathy Hagood, © 2004.

Computer and information technology training company EmerTech in Melbourne has outlasted many other training companies that have tried to put down roots in the area, including several national franchises.

Training operations that have come and gone since EmerTech opened its doors six years ago include New Horizons, ExecuTrain, Herzing College and Koster and Associates.

EmerTech President Greg Cusick believes his company has thrived where others have faltered because EmerTech offers high quality training in an environment conducive to learning.

"People learn best when they have both a good instructor and environment," Cusick said.

The 2,550-square-foot EmerTech facility houses both computer software and hardware training areas featuring comfortable well-lit workstations with the latest equipment and software.

The training rooms can be rented by organizations wanting to put on seminars with the need for computer workstations.

"We're always upgrading to keep ahead of the curve and meet our customer's needs," Cusick said.

To better meet customers' requirements, EmerTech also offers extended hours during the week and classes on Saturday. And it provides the option of customized coursework to meet the specific demands of area employers.

EmerTech features a wide range of training, from day courses on Microsoft software to months-long training programs leading to technical certifications.

Courses include system administration, programming, office applications, database administration, network administration, computer service and repair, computer and network security and Web technologies.

Office productivity applications taught through one-day courses include the MS Office 2000, 2003 and 2003 versions of Access, Excel, FrontPage, Outlook, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher and Word and the 2000 and 2002 versions of Visio Pro and Vio Standard.

Corel and Adobe programs are also offered as well as PIM ACT!, Crystal Reports. Numerous Web development courses include Cold Fusion and Dreamweaver MX programs.

Prices for office productivity courses range from $275 for one day of one-on-one instruction to $125 per student for instruction for four or more students.

"We regularly schedule various courses, but we will also teach a course on demand when a company requests it," Cusick said.

While a number of EmerTech's more intensive programs are comparable to college vocational programs, classes are limited to 12 persons.

The facility is a test center for Thompson Prometric, Pearson VUE and ACT Test Agencies.

"One of the things that makes us stand out is that we offer more types of courses and testing than other training companies," Cusick said.

EmerTech periodically offers free certification seminars for career changers looking for information on computer training, various certifications and careers.

The company is also introducing a new series of seminars geared to a more technical audience. The seminars will include exhibits, presentations, lectures, discussions and demonstrations of emerging technologies.

"We expect this to be of particular interest to business decision makers and information technologists to gain important information about new technology solutions and what they can do to increase productivity, lower costs, etc.," Cusick said. "Anyone is welcome to suggest topics, as well.

Cusick, who worked as a Harris Corp. software engineer before founding the company, noted the lack of quality computer training facilities in Brevard County and created EmerTech to fill the gap. He started the company with a partner he later bought out.

"I saw what was out there and I knew we could do a better job," Cusick said.

While the company has done some advertising much of its business is based on referrals.

"We have only recently advertised our custom training for corporate clients," Cusick said.

EmerTech's client list includes HealthFirst, Harris Corp., Rockwell Collins, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Computer Sciences Raytheon, United Space Alliance, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Brevard County Public Schools and Community Educators Credit Union.

"We've worked with a number of top companies here over the years but many other organizations aren't aware of what we offer and think they have to send their employees all the way to Orlando for training," Cusick said.

Cusick and his general manager, Gerry Riley, are certified to instruct numerous courses, as are the company's three regular part-time instructors. The company pulls in additional instructors when needed.

"I first taught when I was working on my master's degree at the University of Florida and really enjoyed it. I've been told I have a knack for it," Cusick said.

He and his staff carry certifications including Microsoft Office specialist, professional, systems engineer, database administrator, solutions developer, systems builder and trainer; CompTIA A+ computer service repair, network administrator, system administrator, e-commerce administrator, technical trainer; and Cisco network associate and network professional.

EmerTech instructors are available to train on-site at a company if preferred.

"But companies often decide to have their employees train here at our facility so they can get away from work and totally focus on learning," Cusick said.

Costs for training are all inclusive. Tuition includes books, tools, lab equipment usage, software, handouts, library access and the certification exam.

For more information, visit www.emertechinc.com