Trainer numbers upped to boost Atec quality

Microsoft has raised the quality bar for Atec technical training centres by increasing the minimum number of Microsoft certified trainers (MCTs).

Multi-branch training firms must now have two fully employed MCTs at each site, instead of two per company.

David Smith, Microsoft UK channel sales and marketing manager, said the vendor wanted a stronger commitment to quality. ?There is a huge pool of contractors used on a per course basis, which is not good for either the channel or for customers as it results in a skill gap and a lack of commitment to the training firm. Those most hit will be Atecs which are expanding rapidly as they will have to put all the resource in at once.?

QA Training, the UK?s biggest IT training company, with five Atec sites, said the changes could cause problems. Barry Charles, QA marketing manager, said: ?We probably have enough MCTs as a whole, but not at each site, and we still want some clarification from Microsoft on this issue.

?We don?t use too many short-term consultants but we could have to pay relocation costs for redeployment of staff.?