EOHM-IT, the managed services division of EOH, successfully implemented a Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) skills development programme in conjunction with the ISETT SETA. The first 46 EOH M-IT employees graduated on Friday, 7 October 2011, and according to Sam Sibeko, the Operations Director at M-IT, plans are already in the pipeline for 2012.
Sibeko says the skills development programme validates M-IT’s Microsoft technical proficiency. “EOH is heavily gearing its solutions and services towards accommodating cloud computing and we need to ensure that we have adequate knowledge and expertise to support it. It also forms the perfect platform to enhance the design, optimisation and operation of cloud technology.”
An MCITP certificate signifies that the bearer is in possession of a comprehensive set of Microsoft skills. “Being at the cutting edge of new developments in the industry gives a competitive edge,” says Sibeko. “Skills are crucial to that success and this project is a sterling example of how EOH M-IT is empowering its employees and taking progressive strides towards a comprehensive service offering. We have a large number of customers who have entrusted us with their Microsoft implementations. We therefore have an obligation to deliver consistently and efficiently.”
The MCITP certification process is by no means a walk in the park and requires commitment from both a personal and professional perspective. “The training programme adds a significant load to the lives of candidates, necessitating the need to sacrifice personal time and to juggle planned outages to attend classes. The results are however well worth the sacrifice in terms of receiving a certification that is recognised, globally,” says Sibeko.
Planning for 2012 is already well underway. “We will be expanding the training programme to include HP Accredited Platform Specialist training and to facilitate the registration of Architecture training as the ‘next step’ following MCITP certification. It is quite a gruelling process in itself and we are hoping to mould and build our employees in terms of hands-on experience and knowledge, that will enable them to successfully complete the Architecture training,” concludes Sibeko.