To meet the growing demand for trained professionals in this growing IT field, Anoka-Ramsey Community College has earned the designation as a VMware IT Academy.

VM refers to Virtual Machines. VM solutions are increasingly more common in large companies to optimize, simplify and manage their IT infrastructure. The need for trained VM professionals is also growing. The VMware IT Academy program is designed to introduce students to computer virtualization technologies and equip them with VMware technical skills.

The collaborative relationship between Anoka-Ramsey and VMware allows students to obtain the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) status and other VMware certifications.

“These certifications can save future employers thousands of dollars in training costs, and make Anoka-Ramsey students much more competitive in the job market,” says Eric Staupe, Anoka-Ramsey Director, Continuing Education and Customized Training, Computer Applications and IT Training.

Using their own instructors, Anoka-Ramsey will deliver VMware courses and software with extensive hands-on lab exercises and state-of-the-art training.

“For many individuals, complicated schedules are a fact of life, so Anoka-Ramsey is offering the VMware courses evenings and weekends to reach working adults, traditional students and others who find it easier to come to campus off-hours,” says Staupe.

The first VM session at Anoka-Ramsey begins Oct.19.

For more information, contact Eric Staupe at 763-433-1187 or visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu/cect.