Sandburg's Workforce Development & Community Education Department received a Noncredit Strategies at Work (NSAW) grant through the Illinois Community College Board. These funds are used to create and expand noncredit training opportunities, develop noncredit-to-credit pathways and collect data on noncredit training needs and impact in the college’s district.
Below is a success story about NSAW student Juan Vazquez, who acquired a certification in cybersecurity training.
To learn more about NSAW opportunities or other non-credit training options at Sandburg, contact Workforce Development & Community Education or visit sandburg.edu/communityed.
Student's name
Juan Vazquez
Program
Cybersecurity training
Credential acquired
Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) certification via training partner EC-Council
What was your situation prior to enrolling?
Before I signed up for the program, I was working at Verizon — been there a few years, actually. I liked the job OK, the people were solid, but I kept thinking I wanted something more focused on tech security. I didn’t want to quit and go full-time student mode, though, so I was hunting for something part-time or flexible that could get me into cybersecurity without starting from zero.
What made you decide to seek out your Sandburg's non-credit program?
I’ve been into cybersecurity for a while — like reading about hacks and watching videos on YouTube — but it was all random knowledge, nothing organized. When I found out Sandburg had these non-credit courses (and some were grant-funded, so it wasn’t crazy expensive), it felt like the right time to actually do something about it. I figured it’d give me real credentials instead of just being the guy who knows a little.
Why did you choose Sandburg?
Honestly, it was close by, and I’d heard good things about how they help local people get better jobs. The workforce programs seemed practical — not some fancy four-year thing — and the grant stuff made it feel like they really wanted folks from around here to succeed. Plus, Galesburg isn’t huge, so it was easy to get to classes after work.
How did the program assist you?
It filled in a ton of gaps. I went from knowing bits and pieces to actually understanding how threats work, tools to spot them and the right words to use when talking to bosses or other IT people. The hands-on labs were huge — no more just theory. It made me feel like I could actually do the job instead of just being interested in it.
What's your goal now?
Long-term, I want to land a straight-up cybersecurity analyst spot or maybe network security. I like the idea of being the one catching the bad stuff before it hits hard, helping companies stay safe from all the ransomware and phishing that’s everywhere now.
What are you doing now?
I just got hired for an IT role in Galesburg. It’s not pure cyber yet — more general IT support — but the Sandburg certification definitely helped me stand out. The hiring manager said it showed I was serious about learning and had some specialized skills, not just basic help-desk experience from Verizon.
How did your experience in the program contribute to your future?
It was a real turning point. I used to think cybersecurity jobs were for people with fancy degrees or years in the field, but this gave me the push and the confidence to apply anyway. Big thanks to the Workforce Development team at Sandburg. They made it doable while I was still working full-time.
What advice do you have for students considering similar programs?
If you’re on the fence about switching careers or leveling up, just go for it. These cert programs aren’t as scary as they look. The instructors know people come in at different levels, and they walk you through it. Don’t wait until you feel “ready,” because you’ll never feel totally ready. Jump in; the skills stick with you and open doors you didn’t even know were there.
