Former STA Stephen Harris assembles a computer at the Appalachian College Association's STA Workshop in Charleston, WV.

STAs are Student Technical Assistants–students that serve as an apprentice to Union IT professionals.

The STA program was introduced to Union in 1996 by the ACA (Appalachian College Association) and is modeled after a program running at Virginia Tech. The program is designed to give students real-world knowledge of how service technicians function in the business and educational marketplace. As an STA, you will receive on-the-job training in many relevant areas of information technology, such as troubleshooting, installing computer software and hardware, telecommunications issues, PC configuration and maintenance, inventory control and warranty service, networking, and web design.

STAs are more than just student workers –they are IT professionals in training. STAs have a great deal of responsibility, but as such, they earn valuable hands-on experience to supplement their academic study. STAs must be self-motivated, disciplined, and serious about their individual and professional development.

Being an STA is a rewarding experience. Not only will you gain money to offset college expenses and a potential future reference, you will also earn valuable job skills, work experience, insight into IT as a profession, communication skills, and the level of confidence a person needs when working in a computer-based industry (did we mention that you will have a lot of fun, too!). Many of our STAs have went on to work professionally in the IT industry.

If you think you might be interested in becoming an STA, contact a member of the Technology Services team and express your interest.