Media Release: MINISTER OPENS VICTORIA’S FIRST LINUX RED HAT ACADEMY

FROM THE MINISTER FOR INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

DATE: Thursday, April 7, 2005

MINISTER OPENS VICTORIA’S FIRST LINUX RED HAT ACADEMY

Training in the internationally-recognised Linux computer operating system is now more accessible and affordable with the introduction of a new system-specific course at the Chisholm Institute of TAFE.

Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Marsha Thomson, said the open-source Linux operating system is becoming more popular as competition in the ICT industry increases, resulting in a growing need for Linux training.

“With the ICT industry becoming more advanced everyday, it is vital that skills and knowledge of system operators keep in step with these developments,” Ms Thomson said.

“Chisholm Institute of TAFE is leading the way by becoming the first Victorian TAFE institute and only the second in Australia to offer vendor-endorsed Red Hat Linux training.

“It was the teaching staff at the Chisholm Institute that first identified the opportunity to incorporate vendor-endorsed training into IT courses as the result of funding received from the Victorian Office of Training and Tertiary Education designed to promote innovation and entrepreneurial activity. That foresight has resulted in a significant boost for ICT training in this state.

“Teaching staff were the first to undertake the Red Hat tailored training program and from term 2 this year they will begin passing on these skills to students through a range of short courses.”

"Following negotiations with Linux vendor Red Hat, Chisholm Institute will offer internationally recognised accreditation at a reduced cost of $2,100, making the training very affordable in comparison with current industry prices."

Ms Thomson said that the introduction of this training will have widespread benefits for the ICT industry as well as for small and business and employment opportunities.

“The training will help the address the shortage of Linux technicians, which is a particular impediment for small and medium businesses wanting to adopt the Linux operating system,” Ms Thomson said.

“In addition, the IT sector places a high priority on vendor training. Students engage in practical ‘break and fix’ tests on real systems giving them a significant advantage in terms of qualifications which puts them in a prime position for future employment.

“This is a great development for the Victorian IT sector and serves to reinforce the Bracks Government’s commitment to improving and keeping up-to-date with skills development.”