A recent College of the North Atlantic (CNA) graduate is the winner of an international information technology and computer networking competition.
Brian Forward, who completed CNA’s Computer Systems and Networking program at the Prince Philip Drive campus in St. John’s in August, beat out nearly 1,000 competitors from across Canada and the United States to win the Cisco Networking Academy NetRiders Skills Challenge.
The interactive contest is designed by Cisco to give technical education students the opportunity to showcase their IT and networking skills and to recognize excellence among Cisco Networking Academy students. The competition consisted of three rounds, including the final virtual event on Nov. 30.
Not only did Forward finish in first place, he was also the only Canadian to finish in the top 10. His prize includes a trip to Cisco headquarters in San Jose, California in January 2013. There he will join other international winners and have the opportunity to meet with Cisco executives and tour Cisco offices, the Stanford University campus and tourist attractions in San Francisco.
Forward says the win will add weight to his resume.
"I believe winning Netriders shows employers that I have the skill set necessary to work in system and network support, and it will dramatically improve my odds in the labor market. Without the excellent training and instruction I received from the college, I would not have had the skills and confidence to compete at such an event."
Computer Systems and Networking instructor Jackie Reid says participating in competitions gives students a boost in self-confidence over and above what they attain in the classroom. It shows them they have the knowledge and skill set to compete nationally and internationally.
“The exposure and contacts that they obtain from competing benefit both the students and the program,” she says. “Our college and IT programs are well-known and respected across Canada, the United States and internationally, which in turn opens the door to opportunities not just for the students who compete, but for all students who graduate from our programs."
Mary Vaughan, dean of CNA’s School of Business and Information Technology, says the combination of talented students and skilled instructors is what makes CNA a world-class educational institution.
“When you have students who are talented and willing to learn, and instructors who are inspired in their approaches to teaching, this kind of success is sure to follow. Brian’s win speaks volumes, not only to his skill, but also to the level of instruction that students receive at CNA. Jackie Reid is an incredible mentor and coach. She provides students and graduates with enhanced opportunities to advance their skills and knowledge.”
College of the North Atlantic has been a Cisco Networking Academy partner since 2002 and the Prince Philip Drive campus has offered the program since 2007.
Every year, the Cisco Networking Academy program teaches hundreds of thousands of students worldwide the skills needed to build, design, and maintain networks, improving their career prospects while filling the global demand for networking professionals.
With 10,000 academies in 165 countries, the Cisco Networking Academy helps individuals prepare for industry-recognized certifications and entry-level information and communication technology (ICT) careers in virtually every type of industry. Students develop foundational skills in ICT while acquiring vital 21st century career skills in problem solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.
-30-
Media Contact:
Gina MacArthur
Public Relations Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
Ph: 709-643-7928
gina.macarthur@cna.nl.ca