Cisco and University of Ottawa Provide Engineering Students with Job-Ready IT and Cybersecurity Skills

News Summary:

Cisco and University of Ottawa We partnered to provide engineering students with the preparatory training they need for IT roles after graduation.
Cisco’s Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, an industry-recognized credential, will be integrated into the university’s Computer and Software Engineering programs, and equipment will be provided to support cybersecurity research.
Closing Canada’s skills gap requires collaboration between the public and private sectors to build a strong network of AI and cybersecurity talent pools.

OTTAWA, Ontario, Sept. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, and the University of Ottawa today announced a partnership to better prepare students for careers in the technology sector.

Funded by Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program, Cisco will integrate the industry-recognized Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification into the university’s Computer and Software Engineering curriculum. The CCNA certification validates a broad range of foundations for all IT careers, from networking to security to software development, and proves that the certifier has the skills businesses want and candidates need to meet market demands.

“Developing a strong talent pool is critical to Canada’s future – especially as we work to maintain our leadership position in key areas like cybersecurity and AI,” said Wayne Cuervo, Director of the Digital Impact Office at Cisco Canada. “This partnership addresses the broader digital skills gap we face in Canada while ensuring students get the right start in their careers.”

Building Canada’s Digital Skills Capacity
ICTC projections show that 250,000 additional jobs will be needed in the technology sector by 2025. Closing the skilled talent gap is a strategic imperative for companies to innovate, sustain growth and compete globally, and requires collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a robust pool of networking, AI and cybersecurity talent.

“CCNA certification is the industry-standard seal of approval for IT networking jobs,” said Guy-Vincent Jourdan, Professor of Engineering at the University of Ottawa and Co-Director of the uOttawa-IBM Cyber Range. “We are proud to partner with Cisco because their commitment to skills development aligns with our university’s mission to empower students to succeed and strengthen Canada’s reputation as a hub for innovation.”

As part of this partnership, Cisco is also providing equipment to the university’s Cyber Field to support cyber research initiatives. Cyber Range It is a unique education, learning and research facility where individuals and organizations can practice comprehensive cybersecurity crisis management in a realistic and immersive environment, learning how to anticipate, respond, manage, contain and remediate cyber attacks.

Registered students Computer and Software Engineering programs They can expect to earn the CCNA certification as part of their third-year coursework starting in Winter 2025.

Digital Skills for All
Cisco is committed to inclusive access to digital skills training and supporting those who use technology to educate. Through programs like the Cisco Networking Academy and CDA, Cisco uses its technology and expertise to create opportunities for individuals to thrive and support Canada’s digital leadership on the global stage. Since its founding in Canada, the Networking Academy has trained more than 340,000 Canadians with industry-recognized credentials and courses.

About Cisco’s Country Digital Accelerator Program
Cisco’s CDA program aims to promote global digitization. Cisco currently works with national, state, and local governments in 50 countries worldwide to accelerate national digitization agendas, co-develop cutting-edge solutions, and deliver more effectively beneficial services to their citizens. Cisco’s CDA programs have supported the creation of net new jobs, spurred GDP growth, and helped nurture innovation ecosystems.

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is a global technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to empower an inclusive future for everyone by helping our customers reimagine their applications, support hybrid work, secure their businesses, transform their infrastructures, and achieve their sustainability goals. Learn more Newsroomand follow us at X @Cisco.

Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A list of Cisco trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company.

About University of Ottawa
Rooted in our bilingual and French-speaking DNA, we evolve at the intersection of many cultures. Located in Canada’s capital, a gateway to the world, we have a unique platform to respond to the global challenges and opportunities our world presents with energy, creativity and scale. By actively focusing on equity, diversity and inclusion, we will thrive like never before.

Already this new millennium, our research reputation has skyrocketed to the top 1% of the world’s 20,000+ universities. We’ve doubled our enrollment, with students from across Canada and 147 countries around the world, and we’ve chosen uOttawa.

Our international influence is growing, with our institutional partnerships in Europe, Asia and Africa rapidly expanding, including membership in the U7 Alliance of world universities.

Meanwhile, our research and programs in cybertech, health, science, social justice, sustainability, education and entrepreneurship continue to impact communities across Canada and around the world every day. Our scientists and academics are driving progress in ethical AI and technology development, clean growth and innovation, and action-oriented research on issues such as aging, active and healthy living, lifelong learning and well-being.

At uOttawa, we are driven by a desire to challenge the status quo, a desire to make an impact and an ambition to be a catalyst for change.

Contact:
Samantha Campana
Head of Communications, Cisco Canada
[email protected]