Cisco marks key milestone with the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation

As part of its ongoing strategic collaboration with Cisco, TVTC will continue to provide students with comprehensive learning programs through the Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) resulting in an estimated 19,000 more trainees by the year 2011. Over the past year alone, the NetAcad program has grown to manage 29 local training divisions of TVTC in Saudi of which four institutes are for female students.

Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) recently marked its 10-year anniversary providing Information Technology skills to students globally to improve their career and economic opportunities. It operates in high schools, colleges, universities, technical and military schools, community-based organizations and government bodies.

Dr. Badr bin Hamoud Al-Badr, Managing Director, Cisco, Saudi Arabian Region, said:

'Developing and addressing the growing skills gap, as well as creating entrepreneurs and leaders of the future, is at the forefront of Cisco's mission for the Saudi Arabian region. Our ongoing strategic collaboration with Technical and Vocational Training Corporation marks another key milestone in our journey to help create some of the many new jobs required over the next decade for Saudi-Arabia's next generation workforce.'

His Excellency, Governor of TVTC, Dr. Ali AlGhafees, said:' The importance of Cisco Networking Academies lays in its ability it fill the Networking skills gap especially with the overwhelming need for local networking specialists in Saudi Arabia and also in polishing the skills needed for them to enter the workforce. We are very happy with this strategic collaboration that reflects Cisco's commitment towards serving the Saudi community and supporting the business sector.'

Dr. Mohammed Al Kahtani, Director General e-learning, Training resources Centre, TVTC, said: 'The main goal of our association with Cisco is to enhance the skills of graduates and youth to qualify them for the working environment. Training in information technology and networking skills will provide a much-needed path to economic success and independence for individuals in emerging markets such as Saudi Arabia. We are proud to be able to demonstrate so much progress over the last one year of our strategic partnership and look forward to making additional strides in the future.'

'With the support of the training organization, we have increased the number of Networking Academies and graduates and provided citizens with access to the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an increasingly technology dependent economy,' Commented Hashem Shahwan, Area Academy Manager, Cisco, Saudi Arabia.

'Saudi Arabia is the highest region globally in term of growth regarding the number of students enrolled in the Cisco Academy program, we've exceeded 200 % growth, while the Global rate is 12 % - which mainly reflects the gap we're bridging in this region' Shahwan added.
The Cisco Networking Academy Program was established in 2001 in Saudi Arabia, and teaches students networking and other information technology-related skills, preparing them for jobs as well as for higher education in engineering, computer science and related fields.'