Cisco announced the launch of its Global Talent Acceleration Program in Bangalore, India. GTAP is a long-term Cisco initiative aimed at creating Cisco’s next-generation local engineering and sales talent in India and other emerging countries.

Through the GTAP in India, Cisco plans to train Indian engineering students at the CCIE level, the highest stage professional certification offered by Cisco. Cisco Learning Solutions Partners, Datacraft, Fast Lane Global Knowledge, and NIIT will act as Cisco’s initial primary partner delivery organizations in India.

“India, which is at the centre of Cisco’s globalisation strategy, is experiencing tremendous growth, and the demand for technical talent undoubtedly exceeds supply. The development of a sustainable talent pipeline, with market-ready skills, is imperative to sustain momentum,” said Leo Scrivner, vice president of human resources for Cisco Services and the Globalisation Centre East. “The launch of the Global Talent Acceleration Program in India reiterates our commitment to both incubating skills and developing our top talent here that will respond to the market needs immediately.”

GTAP is designed as a rigorous 37-week program that combines classroom training, industry exposure and hands-on experience. The program offers two tracks: Professional, aimed at students with three to five years’ experience, and Associate, for fresh graduates. Initially, these students will be recruited for work at Cisco’s Bangalore Technical Assistance Centre as well as Cisco’s Bangalore Advanced Services Worldwide Service Provider practices organization.

An example of Global Talent Acceleration Program Success Story? Mr. Ziad Alghamdi.

“I started the program with basic networking knowledge, and now after 5 months, I’ve passed the CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, and the CCIE written exams. It seemed like an impossible mission on the first day of the program, but here I am making it real and possible.

Within the Technical Assistance Center (Cisco TAC), real life scenarios are experienced case by case. The feeling is indescribable when connecting the pure technical lessons to the life network of the Cisco customers and to see their reaction when I make a difference. I cannot wait to work on the next case with another customer.

I remember wondering about joining the program and how beneficial starting such a track at this period of my life would be. Now, after only 5 months, I understand why. By achieving my goals with all of Cisco’s support what I have is a life-time opportunity that cannot be missed.”

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