Hands-on IT Courses Close Skills Gap

Mr. Vasilache, Cisco Local Academy lead instructor at the College of Finance and Banking, points out the opportunities opening up for his students in the IT field. (Photo: Marina Kaim, USAID/CEED Project) July 13, 2009. Information Communications Technology (ICT) is one of the highest-paying and most-dynamic sectors in Moldova.  However, research by USAID in 2007 found that even though more than one thousand students graduate annually with degrees in the ICT field, companies requiring ICT professionals struggled to find qualified candidates.  The ICT course offerings in Moldova were too theoretical and too outdated. To bridge this skills gap, USAID began supporting an education initiative to enhance the capacity of Moldovan schools to respond to the needs of businesses.  Through this program, USAID began working with high schools, colleges, and universities to pilot Cisco and Microsoft classes, which require both theoretical and hands-on instruction.  USAID started by building awareness and interest among the students and by supporting instructors to become Cisco and Microsoft trainers.  USAID also helped build institutional capacity at the schools, purchased needed course materials and equipment, and attracted additional funding to provide scholarships for students. The first courses began in fall 2008.  At the high school and college level, the Cisco IT Essentials course is being offered.  And, at universities, Cisco Certified Network Associate and Microsoft web developer and system administrator classes are taught.  Students are enthusiastic about the practical and interactive course curriculum, and new instructors appreciate the investment in their own professional development.  Grigore Vasilache, the lead instructor at the College of Finance and Banking, says, "The courses provide our students with better chances of getting competitive jobs.  And, the serious and transparent certificate exam teaches the students to be more responsible." Eleven schools are participating in the program, which has trained 28 instructors and enrolled more than 130 students.  The classes are offered as electives for a fee, which covers operating costs and allows the program to be sustainable.  The program will be expanded for the 2009-2010 school year.

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