A program that provides advanced information technology (IT) training is now available at three educational institutions in Prince Edward Island, including two high schools.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program is now available at Charlottetown Rural High School, Westisle Composite High School and Holland College.
The Hon. Michael Currie, Minister of Development and Technology; representatives from the Department of Education; Rod Murphy, Cisco Systems; and Dr. Brian McMillan, Vice President of Programs at Holland College visited the Charlottetown Rural IT classroom today to talk with instructors and students.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program is an international success. Launched in October 1997, there are now 9,928 Networking Academy sites established in 147 countries around the globe. Since the Canadian launch of the program in June 1998, more than 340 educational institutions from coast to coast have adopted the Cisco Systems Networking Academy program into their curriculum.
"As we continue to grow the technology sector in the province, we will need more and more skilled workers," said Minister Currie. "Cisco is a world leader in network communications, and we are very pleased to be able to help give our youth the opportunity to be trained in this advanced and innovative technology."
The Cisco Networking Academy Program is a comprehensive eight module program available at Holland College. Students at Charlottetown Rural and Westisle can now receive credit for the first two modules of the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) while in high school and then complete the program at Holland College following graduation.
Graduates of the academy are prepared to write the CCNA exam, which enables them to work with Cisco products and to apply classroom learning to actual technology challenges. To date, approximately 60 students at the two Island high schools have enrolled in the program.
"The Department of Education is pleased to be a partner in this exciting project," said Ken Gunn, Senior Director of Public Education with the Department of Education. "We believe that this program will provide students with an opportunity to further explore information technology and perhaps help them make decisions with regard to future careers."
As part of the Networking Academy program, Holland College became a designated Regional Academy. Teachers at the provincial high schools receive mentoring and initial support as well as their required Cisco training from Holland College. This year, the College has added the advanced level Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) designation, for which CCNA is a pre-requisite.
"Holland College students and staff and the IT community in Prince Edward Island will benefit from this training partnership with Cisco," stated Brian McMillan at Holland College. "As a Regional Academy, the College is now able to provide additional opportunities, not only for College staff but for IT workers in the province who want to receive further training as they pursue advanced Cisco accreditation levels."
"As the Internet changes the way companies, governments and communities operate, IT skills and networking professionals are becoming an increasingly important part of the global economy," said Rod Murphy, Major Account Manager for Cisco Systems Canada. "The Networking Academy Program will help Prince Edward Island develop a technologically savvy workforce of the future, teaching students the skills they need to succeed in the information economy."
The Cisco Networking Academy program is funded by the Department of Development and Technology, through Technology PEI Inc., the Department of Education, Holland College and Cisco Canada.
BACKGROUNDER
The Cisco Networking Academy Program
The Cisco Networking Academy Program is developed by education and networking experts. Students develop the critical skills needed to succeed in a changing economy – math, science, problem solving, reading and writing, and the ability to work productively with people from different backgrounds.
Teaching basics to advanced Internet technology skills, the Networking Academy program prepares students for industry-standard certifications, including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), as well as Network+ certifications.
The Networking Academy curriculum in Canada is expanding to include courses sponsored by IT industry leaders. For example, the Fundamentals of UNIX, sponsored by Sun Microsystems, and IT Essentials, sponsored by HP, further increases students marketability.
The Cisco Global Learning Network ensures that e-learning benefits are delivered to all corners of the world over a scalable, reliable, secure and distributed network. The personalized learning delivered over this network also provides immediate feedback to students, teachers and administrators about the learning outcomes achieved.
For additional information about the Cisco Systems Networking Academy program in Canada please visit our web site at: http://www.cisco.com/ca/