Cisco training offers jobs in developing countries

Hands-on Cisco network training is giving men and women in underdeveloped countries opportunities at employment, a recent study found, as close to two-thirds reported finding work after completing courses.

The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Independent Impact Assessment study polled about 600 students, instructors, employers and community leaders in the African nations of Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Zambia. Of the students surveyed, close to two-thirds, or 62%, found job opportunities following their Cisco studies and, of those, 12% launched their own companies after completing one or more Cisco Network Academy course.

“The study . . . found that the Cisco Networking Academy is boosting necessary IT career skills, providing critical job opportunities, promoting self-confidence in women entering the IT field and enhancing the overall education level within communities," said Ross Barker, vice president, GCR Custom Research, in a press release.

The study also showed that network training opened new doors for women in African nations. According to the results, more than 30% of students graduating from the Cisco Certified Network Associate courses are women. And employers agree that Cisco training provides students in underdeveloped countries with marketable job skills and improves their chances of landing employment. More than half of employers polled reported that graduates of the program have better skills than nonstudents, specifically around networking and configuration planning.