HP unifies training programmes

Vendor launches single worldwide certification initiative

Hewlett-Packard (HP) launched a single worldwide certification programme last week. It is intended to erase remaining post-merger confusion among VAR partners.

The HP Certified Professional Programme will train customers and employees as well as business and channel partners to bring all to a standard level.

John Mason, European manager for channel education at HP, said the scheme will bring together the best of pre-merger HP and Compaq programmes.

The scheme is divided into four main categories: sales, pre-sales, operating systems and integration. "HP was strong in sales and pre-sales; Compaq was stronger in services. By combining the two we have very good training coverage," said Mason.

Although it has been announced, the accreditation programme will not be launched until February. Partners must continue with separate HP and Compaq training until then.

"HP believes in training people in competence as well as products," said Mike Bicknell, UK channel education manager at the vendor. "The important message to our resellers is that we are going to protect the investment they have made from a training viewpoint.

"We are not going to make outrageous requirements or enforce any additional training. If partners believe their workforce is qualified enough, that's fine."

Dan Hitchen, HP business manager at reseller Basilica, praised the programme.

"This is going to be something we will invest in, and we intend to work closely with HP to maintain and increase our skill sets in the sales environment," he said.

Hitchen added that, because the scheme is localised, engineers won't have to travel all over the country to attend training courses, and participants will save time and money.