CORAL GABLES, Fla., May 5, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CTT, an integrated business education and certification services company, today announced the formal launch of the "ICT Generation" program, which empowers disadvantaged youth through technology training and certification, and guarantees them employment. The program is an innovative response to Peru's dual needs for technical talent to support its rapidly growing information technology industry and for helping young Peruvians who lack financial resources to gain the necessary education and training for technology-related employment.
ICT Generation will train 740 youth within the next six months. The first phase of the program launched this month with young people from Lima, Arequipa, and Trujillo. CTT, Microsoft Peru, the Peruvian Ministry of Labor's PROJOVEN program, and the Inter-American Development Bank teamed to design and launch the program.
"We appreciate the opportunity to work with Microsoft, the Ministry, PROJOVEN, and the Inter-American Development Bank in this pioneering program," said Hermann Gomez, president of CTT S.A.C. Peru. "By empowering the youth of Peru to gain valuable technical skills and knowledge, we also empower them to transform their country."
Microsoft is helping to fund, support, and promote ICT Generation. The company's software, technical course materials, examinations, and program design are used to prepare students for earning Microsoft Certified Professional certification.
"Peru's technology sector is growing, which represents an outstanding opportunity for young people to gain employment," said Enrique Angulo, general manager of Microsoft Peru. "With technical knowledge, skills, and international certification, students with limited financial means are able to enter the world of work and support the country's growth. Microsoft has always been committed to developing talent, creating employment opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship through information technology."
CTT has designed and will conduct the System and Support Specialist Program, which includes technical, best practices, and humanistic skills courses. Students will also take courses from CTT that address the Microsoft operating system, network installation, network configuration, customer advocacy, broadband access technologies, installation and support, and personal communications. After completing courses and passing an examination, students earn the CTT Specialization in Service and Technical Support certification, which includes the Microsoft Certified Professional credential as a component.
The PROJOVEN program helps disadvantaged youth prepare for full employment. Launched by the Ministry of Labor as a pilot program in the 1990s, PROJOVEN has grown to deliver more than 1,600 training courses, some of which are delivered by CTT. Peru's technology industry is estimated to generate 13,000 new jobs in software and related services by the end of 2009, and the Ministry of Labor has promoted PROJOVEN programs to help deliver qualified talent. Working with the ICT Generation program, telecommunication companies and service providers in Peru have already committed to hiring certified program graduates to fill positions in their organizations.
"Many young people do not have the opportunity to access formal training for technology employment," said Dr. Jorge E. Villasante Aranibar, Minister of Labor for Peru. "Thanks to ICT Generation, promoted by PROJOVEN, financed by the Inter-American Development Bank and with the cooperation of Microsoft and CTT Peru, young people with limited economic resources can gain access to information technology training and a secure job. This alliance seeks to become an alternate solution to unemployment and underemployment for thousands of young Peruvians."
About CTT
CTT S.A.C. PERU, a subsidiary of CTT Corporation, is an integrated provider of business education and certification services in information and communications technologies. Founded in 1990, CTT is a pioneer in developing and delivering professional training required by individuals and companies where information and communications technologies are strategic to business growth. The company collaborates with local business partners and academic entities to develop transformational knowledge programs, best practices, and innovative learning solutions. With offices in 11 countries throughout Latin America, CTT is a subsidiary of eLandia Group (OTCBB:ELAN) and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. For more information, please visit www.ctteducation.com.
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About eLandia
With over 3,000 business customers and a presence in 18 countries, eLandia (OTCBB:ELAN) and its family of companies deliver an array of information and communications technology (ICT) services to emerging markets experiencing rapid development, predominantly focusing on Latin America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. eLandia (OTCBB:ELAN) assists its customers to implement world-class integrated infrastructure solutions and cutting-edge networking technologies, and to build highly-qualified local workforces to enable their businesses to transform and integrate into the global economy. For more information, please visit www.elandiagroup.com.
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