BEIJING, November 3, 2009 – Furthering the goal of enhancing the development of information technology (IT) talent in China, Cisco and Ambow today announced the opening of the Workforce Transformation Partner (WTP) Training Center in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. The center aims to spur local innovation and accelerate the cultivation of IT talent through collaboration with Ambow, Cisco's first WTP globally.

Cisco's WTP program is a global initiative designed to attract and support the "job readiness" of individuals joining the IT industry.  It uses the unique capabilities of Cisco® Authorized Learning Partners worldwide, together with Cisco's career certification and training curriculum.

Cisco has always been committed to supporting the development of the IT industry in China. As part of fulfilling Cisco's long-term commitment to the country, the  collaboration with Ambow will enable initiatives closely aligned with China's development priorities, including preparing college graduates for job readiness, developing sustainable skills, and growing and strengthening the industry's pool of qualified IT talent.

"To drive the transformation in local IT talent development, Cisco plans to roll out tailored programs to bridge the current talent gap through cooperation with our Authorized Learning Partners," said Thomas Lam, vice chairman and president, Cisco China. "The cooperation marks a significant step in accelerating local innovation and represents another move to help to fulfill Cisco's continuous commitment to China."

"As a Cisco Authorized Learning Partner, we are delighted to work with Cisco in helping to develop IT talent in Kunshan," said Huang Jin, president and CEO of Ambow Education Group. "Ambow aims to use the job readiness training program, supported by the jointly built training center, to cultivate qualified IT talent for the city's transformation toward a service-oriented industrial base."

"We recognize that a strong pool of IT talent is critical to further improve industry development," said Andres Sintes, global director of the Cisco Worldwide Learning Partner Channel. "As a tailored program for IT talent cultivation, Cisco's Workforce Transformation Partner program is committed to using its global footprint and success to jointly drive innovation in many countries with Cisco's partners worldwide."