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EDUCATION: Partnership with IT industry, Dell, Cisco to help students in technology careers

            (AlbertaIndex, June 20, Wednesday) --- A new partnership between government and business will increase student access to technology careers by making an internationally recognized technology certificate available to students at a reduced cost.

            The Alberta government is working with three major technology organizations - Dell Canada, the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) and Cisco Canada - to offer the CompTIA A+ computer technology certification to students in all Alberta high schools and post-secondary institutions.
           
This certification is an entry-level requirement in the information technology sector and will provide students with the basic qualifications required to work with computer hardware.
            “This initiative is a good example of the important role that the business community has to play in the development of Alberta’s youth,” said Education Minister Ron Liepert.
            “Their involvement and advice can help us to encourage students to finish high school and develop practical skills that are in demand in the workplace.”
            Students who enrol in Career and Technology Studies (CTS) high school courses in computer repair and support will be able to take the CompTIA A+ certification exam at a 54% fee discount. High school teachers and post-secondary students who are taking courses to complete their CompTIA A+ certification will also benefit from the reduced exam certification fee.
            CTS programs are a part of furthering the government’s commitment to improving high school completion rates. This partnership is one of many ways the government is increasing community engagement in Alberta’s schools.
            “Because Dell is an industry leader and an employer of choice for many technical professionals, we’re delighted to be a part of this exciting initiative to help bring a level of training to Alberta students that's so vital in business and industry today,” said Dell Edmonton site lead Dave Vanden Bosch. “We believe that making this training available in high schools and post-secondary institutions accelerates career options for today's youth.”
            “CompTIA A+ certification is the skills benchmark for entry into a technology career,” said John Venator, president and CEO, CompTIA. “Employers rely on CompTIA A+ to maximize efficiency in recruiting, hiring, training and promoting IT employees because they know that individuals holding our certifications have the job skills needed to support their technology infrastructure efficiently and reliably. We are pleased to be working with Alberta Education, Cisco Canada and Dell Canada to help students across Alberta to take the first steps towards rewarding careers in the technology industry.”
            “Cisco couldn’t be more pleased to now offer its innovative curriculum to all high schools and post-secondary schools in Alberta,” said Anne Miller, Canadian education marketing manager, Cisco Canada.
            “Our curriculum provides students with the Internet technology skills essential to succeed in today's challenging job market. By partnering with Alberta Education, CompTIA and Dell, we can have an impact on the future of even more students.”

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