This program will provide training and education for individuals interested in preparing for employment as application/system programmers. Several programming languages for the mainframe and the mid-range environments will be covered, as well as related operating system topics. Students will participate in occupational work-site experiences.

Nature of Work
Computer programmers write, test, debug, and maintain the detailed instructions, called programs or software, that list in a logical order the steps computers must execute to perform their functions. The programs tell the computer what to do, such as what information to access and how to process it. Programmers write specific programs by breaking down each step into a logical series of instructions the computer can follow. These instructions are in a conventional programming language, such as C and FORTRAN.

Jobs
Computer programmers, applications programmers, computer technicians, and programmer-analysts.

Employers
Software development companies, engineering and management firms, manufacturing of computer and office equipment, financial institutions, insurance carriers, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Outlook
Employment of programmers is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2006.

Earnings
Nationally, median earnings of programmers are about $40,100/yr. In Illinois, IOICC reports the middle wage range at $30,740-$52,020/yr. BLS reports median weekly earnings of $743/wk.

Tech Prep
The Computer Programming/Mainframe & Mid-Range is program is currently designed for Tech Prep. Students in High School should contact their High School Counselor.

Earnings vary greatly according to location, experience, and individual.