By Standard Reporter
Training of information and communication technology has received a boost after a college was certified to become a Cisco academy.
This increases the number of local institutions that have been certified to be academies under the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute (Afralti) to offer Cisco courses. According to the arrangement, Zetech College will start by offering training for Information Technology Essentials (ITE) and thereafter roll out courses such as CCNA and CCNP.
Mr Albanus Mulandi of Zetech said ITE provides hands-on experience for anyone wishing to venture into information and communication technology.
“The course offers skills in computer hardware and software needed to help meet growing demand for entry-level information and communication technology professionals. The curriculum covers advanced concepts such as security, networking and responsibilities of an information technology professional,” he explained.
Mulandi also pointed out that networking is a very promising field but students are locked out due to high cost of Cisco equipment.
Principal Edwin Wamukoya said the milestone is timely as the institution responds to post-secondary demand.
“Zetech receives massive inquiries regarding various programmes and certifications. We always try to respond by bridging the gap. Offering Cisco training is an indication of quality training as we transition into a university,” he said.
The college has further been approved by National Industrial Training Authority (Nita).
According to college registrar (academic affairs) Alphas Adoga, the certification allows students pursuing various programmes to seek industrial attachment in State corporations.
“In the past, we have had potential students, usually civil servants, interested in various programmes we offer but since we were not Nita accredited, they could not pursue the courses here,” Prof Wamukoya said.