Haberdashers’ has teamed with Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, to become a Local Cisco Networking "Academy. Upon successful completion of the program and final examination, students are certified as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and are prepared to go on to higher education in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or enter the IT workforce.

The Networking Academy program employs an e-learning model, using a combination of web-based, instructor-led learning and hands-on labs to teach high school, college and adult students how to design, build and maintain computer networks of local, national and global businesses.

Haberdashers’ is one of a growing number of schools to bring this high-tech training program to students around the world. Students who complete the first 280 hours of instruction are prepared to take a standardised test to qualify as a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).

The Networking Academy program provides course work for a complete range of basic through advanced networking concepts – from pulling cable, through such complex concepts as subnet masking rules and strategies to troubleshooting. Additional modules in the Academy program will provide Unix, Java and web development skills to students wanting to specialize in those areas.

Through the Academy program, students learn fundamental networking concepts and have a chance to apply their new skills in the ‘real world’ workplace via Cisco’s Work-Based Learning program. This program matches Cisco partners and customers with Academy graduates for internship and mentoring opportunities.