Zypern
www.computrain.com.cy
Description and initial challenges
Computrain (www.computrain.com.cy) started out as a training centre designed to cover local training needs in the area of technology. It has since evolved into a leading institute which offers local professionals and students the opportunity to be trained and to acquire specialised skills and competencies.
Computrain has been able to capitalise on Cyprus’ European membership by developing important links with numerous organisations from different fields. It is now in a position to provide certified, affordable and high quality training in a number of areas.
The vision of becoming a high quality training partner also led the company to make the most of links with global organisations.
The main challenge that Computrain faced arose out of the fact that the company was new and in a sector dominated by long-standing players with strong business relations. Furthermore, Computrain was based in a remote geographical location and was in a relatively small market with a high risk factor.
Planning and Implementing our Strategy
At the outset, the key challenges were to build up confidence amongst potential partners, to develop reliable relationships and to identify high-end programmes and courses that would give Computrain a competitive edge in the local market and would give other companies grounds to trust Computrain.
When identifying partners, Computrain chose to work with integrity and professionalism, employing an outward-looking and progressive strategy.
After careful consideration and planning, the company decided that this approach would allow it to identify well-respected programmes and courses appropriate for the needs of the local market so that it could easily penetrate the market.
Benefits of Internationalisation
The vision of becoming a high quality training partner also led the company to make the most of links with global organisations.
Operating with integrity, high professional standards and a strategy which focusses on “standing out from the crowd” helped give the company the trust of technology giants. Computrain is today associated with, amongst many others:
- Microsoft (Microsoft Silver Certified Partner for Learning Solutions),
- Oracle (Oracle Approved Education Provider)
- CISCO (CISCO Learning Partner)
- Redhat training partner (the only training company in Cyprus which offers authorised Red Hat training and examination)
- EC-Council Authorised Training Centre (ATC)
- ISC² Education Affiliate Authorized Provider (the only authorised training company in Cyprus)
Computrain is also an approved testing centre for Pearson VUE and Prometric.
In order to cover the needs of its target market of professionals and students, Computrain offers various training methods such as online learning, classroom learning and in-house learning for companies interested in a specialised or customised course to meet the specific needs of their company.
In accordance with its mission, to “Equip our students with the skills the technology-driven economy demands though continuing technical education”, Computrain works with instructors that are practicing technology professionals. It offers learners a complete preparation for certification through an enhanced learning experience, high quality course content and a full curriculum.
Its successful path in the professional training area led Computrain to expand and begin offering degrees.
In association with Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding organisation to offer academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally, Computrain now offers two HND degrees. These allow students to continue their education and gain a UK degree (BSc) within only one year of completing their HND.
Furthermore, in association with the University of Central Lancashire, Computrain offers an MSc in Cybersecurity. This gives professionals and students the opportunity to obtain a degree in the important area of information security.
To give a brief summary of Computrain’s journey into the area of executive professional education, the company started focussing in on the area of Microsoft technologies for IT professionals. This has evolved to match the needs of the professional market, including a training offer for professionals from all business sectors. Today the company has expanded into all important areas of technology, offering services linked to networking, information security, virtualisation, open source software, productivity, big data and project management. It represents more than 31 providers of certification and covers a total of 12 business and technology topics with accreditation from 13 global providers of certification. Computrain is also starting to offer degrees and now runs one M.Sc. and 2 HND degrees in collaboration with university partners.
As a result of these overall efforts made in a European direction the company has seen an increase in the number of learners in the range of 25% – 35% and an increase in the number of certifications in the range of 15% – 20%.
Cybercrime Security Forum
The decision to move into the area of information security led to the decision to begin organising the Cybercrime Security Forum (www.securitysummit.com.cy). This is an event that explains how to protect against the “rising tide of cybercriminals”.
The Cybercrime Security Forum is both a learning and networking event for IT security professionals and decision makers.
This unique event attracts speakers from across Europe and is hosted by international organisations.
Evaluation
Computrain is constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance what it offers to its customer base by developing alliances and making the most of the opportunities that Cyprus’ European membership offers.
The company has achieved a lot and, within only a few years, has reached a position where it can be considered not only a training centre but also a technical institute offering a wide range of accredited courses and well-networked degree programmes.
