Cisco and Senac expand collaboration to train it professionals for COP30

500 tuition-free spots are being offered for professional courses through Cisco Networking Academy in the areas of networking, cybersecurity, and programming.

The initiative aims to promote digital inclusion, employability, and the development of the Amazon region, preparing IT professionals for COP30, which will be hosted in Belém.

The partnership between Cisco and Senac reinforces the role of digital skills as a key driver for increasing access to  jobs and fostering sustainable development in the Amazon.

Cisco, a global leader in networking and security, has formed a strategic educational collaboration with Senac Pará to offer 500 tuition-free spots in Information Technology (IT) courses. This initiative aims to boost employability in the Amazon region, particularly as the market heats up with the upcoming COP30 in Belém city, while also contributing to the development of the IT sector in Pará state.

The courses cover essential areas such as networking, cybersecurity, programming, and emerging digital skills through Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) – the world’s longest-running IT skills-to-jobs programs – that has already trained over 1 million Brazilians. The initiative will include more than 20 classes, with the first ones beginning this month.

“We are proud to support the democratization of professional education and access to technology at such an important moment as COP30. Cisco’s partnership with Senac Pará reinforces our commitment to inclusive digital transformation in Brazil and the Amazon region. Initiatives that promote education and technology training are fundamental steps for social and economic development,” says Ricardo Mucci, Cisco’s Brazil country manager.

Aligned with the goals of expanding access to critical technology and regional development, the collaboration between Cisco and Senac highlights the role of digital skills as a catalyst of economic growth  expanding access to  jobs and fostering sustainable development in the Amazon. This initiative builds much needed skills capacity and positions technology as a strategic ally for sustainable solutions in the region.

“The partnership with Cisco reinforces Senac Pará’s commitment to promoting professional education of excellence, aligned with market demands and the global challenges of digital transformation. This initiative is strategic not only for qualifying professionals but also for positioning Pará as a reference in innovation and employability in the context of COP 30,” says Vânia Vicentini, Regional Director at Senac Pará.

“Senac and Cisco have a shared commitment to preparing professionals to meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s market. With COP30 approaching and the transformations it brings to the regional landscape, we are joining forces to train professionals in essential areas of technology,” highlights Patrizia Chermont, Educational Development Manager at Senac Pará.

Professional Training for COP30 and Beyond

The collaboration between Cisco and Senac Pará to train students in IT skills addresses current market demands, driven by the need for specialized technology professionals for COP30, and future needs to strengthen the IT sector in the state of Para.

Senac Pará will conduct the courses in the metropolitan region of Belém, adhering to the standards of excellence of Networking Academy. A Premier Partner and Support Center in the Northern Region of Brazil for more than five years, Senac is a reference in technological training, equipped with specialized laboratories and certified instructors. The offering of 500 free spots marks a new chapter in the partnership with Cisco. Participants will receive certifications recognized both nationally and internationally.

The program’s official launch will take place on July 16 in Belém during the event “Coffee, IT, and Business.” The meeting aims to present the training project to local companies and encourage the recruitment of students for roles during COP30.

Cisco Networking Academy in Brazil

Over its 26 years in Brazil, Cisco Networking Academy has trained more than 1 million students in Brazil, supported by 1,312 instructors across 603 educational institutions. This extensive educational ecosystem ensures nationwide reach, with a presence in all states of the country.

One of its highlights is the CyberEducation program, Brazil’s leading professional training program in cybersecurity and part of the digital acceleration strategy called Brazil Digital and Inclusive (BDI). Since 2020, the program has impacted more than 280,000 students, with 7,300 graduates from professional courses aligned with international certifications in networking and security.

About Senac Para

Senac Pará is a professional education institution that is part of the Commerce System, and has been working for nearly 80 years in the training and qualification of workers for the job market and the commerce, services, and tourism sector throughout the state of Pará. Recognized for its excellence and commitment to social transformation, Senac offers free courses, technical programs, undergraduate and postgraduate courses, both in-person and online, focused on the needs of society and the market. The institution’s mission is to educate for work in an innovative and inclusive way, contributing to the development of people, companies, and the productive sector.

About Cisco

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