WASHINGTON, DC -- January 12, 1999 -- Cisco Systems announced today its partnership with the federal government and Communications Workers of America (CWA) to offer high-tech training to outgoing military personnel so they are prepared for jobs in the Internet Economy.
The cornerstone of this initiative is Cisco's Networking Academies program, which already teaches networking skills to students at over 1,000 high schools and community colleges nationwide.
"The new economy is the Internet Economy, and it's critical that America's workers get the skills they need to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow," said Cisco Systems President and CEO John Chambers.
This program provides graduates with opportunities to find employment and advance their careers in the fastest growth sector of the economy.
"With 1.8 million direct high-tech jobs to be created in the next five years, those who enter this military-to-work program will find a wealth of opportunity awaiting them in the Internet Economy," added Chambers.
Cisco announced this partnership as Cisco Chairman of the Board John Morgridge participated in a televised "21st Century Skills for 21st Century Jobs" summit hosted by Vice President Al Gore at George Washington University.
"In this information age, network administrators are essential to the success of almost all businesses, academic institutions and local and state government, yet most organizations are shaking the bushes to find enough people with the skills to address the demand," said Morgridge. "That's why it's so important that government and businesses work together to ensure that today's students get the skills needed for the jobs of the 21st Century."
Cisco's Networking Academy program, launched in October 1997, already offers high-tech training to 17,000 students in all 50 states and internationally. About 2,000 students will graduate from the program this spring, and 10,000 the following year.
This training will now be utilized at CWA training centers to train military personnel and union members who want to upgrade their skills on new Internet technologies.
Cisco will also assist the CWA offer career counseling and assessment to military personnel re-entering the workforce.
"We couldn't have a better partner in this project," noted Morgridge. "The Communications Workers of America and Cisco share a deep commitment to prepare today's worker for the Internet economy of the 21st century."
In addition, CWA and Cisco will work together to place graduates of the Network Academy program into CWA partner companies nationwide.
"This is a win-win situation," said Morgridge. "Military workers get the training they need to have prosperous careers and businesses get the top-notch employees they need to drive the Internet Economy and create a truly global marketplace."
