Despite years of
experience, thousands of communications workers and military
personnel do not have the latest technology skills to remain
competitive in the 21st century. Through an innovative alliance,
Cisco Systems, Communications Workers of America and Stanly
Community College are preparing union members and transitioning
U.S. military personnel with training for the future.
"The Workforce Transition Project is making a difference
in people's lives. Each students in the project can visualize
a career path and make a better life for themselves and their
families," Jim Landers, WTP instructor
 |
"The
Workforce Transition Project is making a difference in
people's lives. Each students in the project can visualize
a career path and make a better life for themselves and
their families,"
Jim Landers, WTP instructor |
Cisco, CWA and Stanly have joined forces to develop the Workforce
Transition Project (WTP), which aims to train, certify and place
union members and transitioning military personnel in the new
technology job market.
"With 1.8 million direct high-tech jobs to be created
in the next five years, those who enter this military-to-work
program will find a wealth of opportunity awaiting them in
the Internet economy," says John
Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems.
The WTP, a unique distance-learning program, combines online
curriculum delivery and personalized one-on-one mentoring
in accredited courses. The e-learning structure provides pre-assessments
that define the level and amount of training required to reach
each participant's training goals. Courses offered by Stanly
are accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges
and Schools.
"The work in this industry is interesting and challenging
and I don't see an end to it,"
Clarence Mitchell, WTP student.
The program, designed to close the IT skills gap between workers
and the ever-evolving high-tech industry, trains students
in the skills needed to earn industry-recognized certification
as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and professional
in Computer Technology (A+ certified).
"In today's high-tech industry, there is a skills shortage,
not a worker shortage," says Morton Bahr, CWA President.
 |
"The
work in this industry is interesting and challenging and
I don't see an end to it,"
Clarence Mitchell, WTP student. |
WTP also offers students employment referrals to a number
of CWA-represented companies such as Verizon, Lucent Technologies,
Bell Atlantic, Bell South, GTE and SBC.
The U.S. Department of Labor, through its Veterans Employment
and Training Services, also played a role in the initial program
by funding the WTP with a $1.3 Million H1B grant.
The Workforce Transition Project is highly acclaimed in business
and government communities as one of the most innovative and
aggressive projects demonstrating a true public-private partnership.
To learn more or to enroll in the program please visit the
CWA, National Education and Training Trust Web site at www.cwanett.org.
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