FEATURE: TRAINING //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
have greatly enriched the quality of online
training. This option also grants attendees
the flexibility of undertaking the training
at their own convenience and pace with
the on-demand model. Alternatively, they better placed to get students up-to-date
on the latest developments taking place in
the ‘real world’. They are also capable of
answering questions based on experience
and not just theory.
TRAINING ENABLES ORGANISATIONS TO
HIRE ENTRY-LEVEL STAFF AND RAMP
UP THEIR SKILL SETS IN NICHE AREAS.
Certifications also ensure that fundamental
theoretical concepts are well understood.
Maintaining a certification requires an
ongoing educational commitment which
keeps skill sets and knowledge up to date.
Furthermore, most organisations which
provide industry-standard certifications
continue to maintain a relationship with the
individual and their employer thereby acting
as a source for up-to-date domain specific
information. In short, certifications help
organisations to realise the full benefit of the
training they invest in.
A note on the ‘soft’ benefits
could enjoy a mix of the benefits of on-
demand and classroom style training by
opting for live webcasts that enable real-
time engagement with instructors while
still allowing attendance from the location
of choice.
Irrespective of the delivery model, it is always
best to select courses based on the specific
skillsets they help hone. While broader subject
lines might serve as a good foundation, the
complexity of IT systems today demands
specific domain-related knowledge. For
example, mobile security alone can require
skills in forensics, advanced development, risk
management, as well as employee awareness
and policy development.
A discussion on training would be
incomplete without at least brief mention
of certification. In the simplest sense, a
certification is a strong credential indicating
one’s knowledge in a specific technology
domain. While certifications can play a
key role in the advancement of one’s Beyond the obvious technical benefits, training
and certifications can go a long way to boost
employee satisfaction, IT efficiency and staff
retention. Training enables organisations
to hire entry-level staff and ramp up their
skill sets in niche areas. This not only helps
overcome the regional skills shortage but also
encourages company loyalty since employees
need to be challenged and convinced of their
continued career growth.
professional career and prospects, they
hold many benefits for employers too and
therefore warrant investment. For one,
certification preparation often provides
the motivation necessary for employees
to set aside the time and effort required
to become subject matter experts. Very
often certification training includes the use
of hands-on and/or simulated instruction
which expose applicants to a wide range of
scenarios that they might not frequently see
in their day-to-day job. This prepares them
for the one-off issues that often have the
greatest negative impact on business. To summarise, IT training is an expense
for the business, but it is one which brings
substantial short and long-term benefits.
By investing in the right training delivered
by the right provider, employers get
expertly skilled staff who are committed
to the organisation. These qualified
professionals are equipped with the
knowledge and hands-on experience
to tackle the challenges that complex
IT environments entail. They are more
efficient, innovative and ready to give their
organisation the edge it needs in today’s
digital economy. n
A case for certification
Key selection criteria
Two vital aspects of training that are often
overlooked are the instructor and the
course’s degree of emphasis on practical
learning. This oversight is unfortunate as, in
my experience, these are without doubt the
factors that most impact the value of the
course. As necessary as sound theoretical
knowledge is, there is simply no substitute
for hands-on advice and practice. And this
is best facilitated when the course is led by
an instructor who is also a working industry
practitioner, particularly critical in a field like
cybersecurity where both technology and
the cyber criminals’ techniques are changing
so rapidly.
The rapid advancement of technology has
led to shorter times to market, faster refresh
cycles and an abundance of new technology
trends. An instructor who is also an active IT
professional is on the frontline and therefore
54
INTELLIGENTCIO
www.intelligentcio.com