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QA Launches Residential Accelerated Microsoft Training Programmes

Learning NewsQA

QA, the UK’s leading IT training company, and Europe’s largest provider of Microsoft training, has responded to customer demand by launching a new range of residential accelerated Microsoft training programmes.

QA’s Microsoft ‘ACE’ Accelerated Certified Education programmes are all aimed at helping IT professionals achieve core Microsoft certifications in less time, and for less cost. The programmes cover Microsoft’s top certification and leading server products, including Windows Server training, SQL Server training and Exchange Server training and will be offered from a purpose-built residential training centre in Milton Keynes.

“We really do think we’ve broken the value barrier with these new programmes,” says QA’s commercial director, Bill Walker. “We believe that these programmes offer more, for less, when compared to any similar programme.”

The savings are impressive: most of the programmes save learners around 40%-50% of the time of taking all of the individual courses that the programme covers. “Time out of the office is the key thing for most of our customers,” says Walker. “We’re talking about an organisation’s key support staff. If you can reduce their time out of the office to around half, then you’ve got a big win in terms of productivity and support availability.”

The cost savings are impressive too – around 30%-40% – but Walker is keen to stress that no corners have been cut in the quality of the courses. “Most companies are being careful right now,” he says, “but they don’t want to compromise on quality. We reduce the training time by removing the natural duplication that occurs when several courses cover the same, similar or related topics. And because the programmes are residential, we can fit more training into each day.”

The prices for each programme include accommodation. On top of this, the residential training centre’s facilities are excellent, with great dining, plus sports and leisure facilities – including a pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms, gym, squash courts, plus a sports hall for badminton and volleyball. On top of that, the facility offers massage, reflexology and reiki – so there’s no excuse for not winding down between training sessions.

QA already runs residential courses on PRINCE2 project management and ITIL service management. “It’s an approach that some of our customers really like,” concludes Walker. “The training is very focused, there are no distractions – so it’s not only highly competitive, it’s also highly effective.”

The courses are available immediately from QA.

Direct links:
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Enterprise Administrator on Windows Server 2008
Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP) Server Administrator on Windows Server 2008
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) Exchange Server 2007 Configuration
Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS) SQL Server 2008 Implementation and Maintenance