Citrix Academy Network launched today

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD today officially launched the Citrix Academy Network in Ireland.

The Academy Network is designed to teach students advanced technical skills essential for an IT career in virtualisation or networking.

IT Sligo is the first Higher Education Institution in Ireland to join the Academy Network, offering the course to its third level students.

Students of the computing programmes at IT Sligo will take the course which will see them achieve industry certification across emerging technologies such as virtualisation and cloud computing.

Work placements are also a big role of the course, which allow students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice.

The first 25 students have recently started the course at the Institute and a further 55 students are expected to begin the accreditation process by the end of the year. It is thought that over 100 students will complete the modules this year.

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD said “Technology is one of our most promising and critical sectors. We currently have widespread demand from IT employers for skilled workers in the areas of virtualisation and networking.

“I welcome this initiative by Citrix and IT Sligo in joining forces to create a direct education to jobs opportunity. I believe it is an excellent example of how industry and education can work together to create this direct opportunity for employment and that it is a great incentive for students to work towards.”

Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo was pleased to introduce the new course.

She said: “We are thrilled to be the first higher education institution in Ireland to offer this accreditation which will benefit students, employers and industry.”

Source: http://insideireland.ie/2012/02/27/citrix-academy-network-launched-today-57919/