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When employers partner with the Cisco Networking Academy Program,
they create a talent pipeline for the IT workforce. Approximately
60 million Baby Boomers will leave the workforce by 2015, creating
workforce shortages reminiscent of the late 1990s. As a Workforce
Development partner, you help students step from the classroom into
the real world and learn more by doing. Whether offering a work-site
tour, a speaker for a career event or a more formal internship program,
you'll enhance their skills, improve their overall education, and
give them something they can use at future jobs.
View Videos
 How
the Academy program has made a positive impact on Inver Hills Community
College >>View
The
partnership between Cisco and Mission College and how the Academy
program has been a great asset to the institution >>View
Benefits and Responsibilities
The most successful Workforce Development programs are created when
employers connect with their Local Academy and establish a cooperative
relationship. The Academy trains and certifies students to design,
build, and maintain computer networks. The employer offers a window
into the work experience and career development through a range of
activities from guest speakers to facility tours to formal internship
programs. Any organization with a network and an IT staff can participate
in activities for learning and support.
Benefits to Employers
- Establishes a partnership between the employer and educational organization.
- Connects technical education with industry to make learning more relevant.
- Creates a pool of highly skilled, well-prepared entry-level workers.
- Enhances staff morale and provides needed assistance.
- Reduces recruitment and turnover costs.
Employer Role
The employer chooses their level of involvement and commitment, and communicates that to the Academy. An Academy representative serves as a key point of contact to define the opportunity, support the implementation, and evaluate the success. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that the opportunity is both rewarding and educational.
Check with your organization’s human relations department regarding legal responsibilities and confirm with school administrators that the activities comply with any local child labor laws.
Find an Academy
By registering as a participating employer on the Global Career Connection web site, you’ll be able to engage Academies, Students and Alumni at whatever level of commitment you choose. You can simply post an internship opportunity or job placement opportunity to the site or you can actively search for Student and Alumni resumes that meet the requirements of the position you’re trying to fill.
From the Career Connection web site, and the Academy Locator link below, you’ll be able to search for Academies in your area to partner for more active involvement in workforce development activities. If an Academy in your area does not yet have a workforce development program in place, you may choose to help them start one. Use the Academy Locator to find local contact information.
Explore Options
Employers may participate in a one-time event with an Academy or develop an ongoing relationship to support a variety of workforce development activities. Some partners rely on the Academy to suggest activities and commit resources as available, upon request. Other employers have a well-established community relations department or internship program and seek Academy support. Consider joining an advisory board to review plans, provide resources, and offer expertise. Some employers use internships and other workforce development activities as an initial project to form an industry consortium to address technical education needs.
Another school-to-career organization (a Chamber of Commerce, an IT industry consortium, and so on) may serve as a liaison to the business community. They present the program and benefits to administrators and request that they allocate staff time to support the program.
Define an Opportunity
Work with the Academy program coordinator to define the opportunity based on your organization’s needs and resources as well as the skills and training offered by the Academy. Consider these questions:
- How many students can you place?
- What skills do they need to have?
- What skills will you help them develop?
- When do you need students to work? (Hours may be limited during the school year.)
- Will they have a job-based or project-based plan?
- Who will supervise them? (Does that person have extra time to answer questions and train?)
- How will you measure success?
- How will you compensate students (hourly, stipend, or other benefits)?
Listed below are some valuable tools and resources to support Workforce Development initiatives between businesses and Academies.
To post a job placement opportunity or an internship opportunity, go directly to the Career Connection web site that supports your area:
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