Workforce Development
Overview
Cisco and the Cisco Learning Institute have created the PLAN-IT toolkits for all audiences, particularly Academy instructors, students, Gender Initiative participants, and LDC Initiative participants. They support student and Academy success throughout the developing world.
Why Workforce Development?
As the IT industry in your country grows, so do the needs for qualified job candidates. The PLAN-IT Workforce Development Toolkit helps Academies connect students and graduates with employment opportunities. Tools are available for use by instructors, students, and private-sector partners.
The toolkit includes the following resources:
- Ten steps to create a workforce development program
- A sample program budget for a host institution
- Materials to support the development of partnerships within the private sector
- Interview and resume preparation tools for students
- Customizable marketing materials
The Workforce Development Toolkit is available as a CD-ROM. For information on how to obtain a PLAN-IT CD-ROM, contact your AAM.
How the Toolkit was Developed
After assessing the employment needs of students, several Academy instructors in Uganda created a Workforce Development Toolkit with assistance from the United Nations Volunteers. The goal of this project was to link Academy students and graduates with opportunities in Uganda's growing IT sector. Through partnerships within the private sector, government, and civil society, the workforce development project in Uganda has helped prepare Academy students and graduates to meet the demands of the IT labor market. Due to its success in facilitating employment, the toolkit was selected to serve as the model for the PLAN-IT Workforce Development Toolkit to be piloted throughout the Cisco Networking Academy Program.
We appreciate your comments and suggestions for improving the PLAN-IT toolkits. Please share your successes and best practices as you integrate PLAN-IT at your Academies.
For additional questions regarding the PLAN-IT Toolkits, contact your Area Academy Manager (AAM).
