Linx sets high standards for Internet Technician Accreditation The London Internet Exchange [09-11-2001]
A new fast-track training programme for Internet technicians has enforced rigorous standards by granting minimum 70 per cent pass grades to only three of the first eight participants in the entry-level module. All eight succeeded in passing the 55 per cent threshold score that is needed to qualify for places on a more advanced intermediate training module, however.

The London Internet Exchange (LINX) - a mutually owned organisation working on behalf of around 120 Internet service providers - initiated the accredited training programme for network technicians last month. It aims to increase the number and competence of people who build and maintain the UK's vital Internet infrastructure.

LINX training manager Hugh Spencer said: "The resilience and efficiency of the UK Internet infrastructure and its capacity to support the demands of business and private users ultimately depends upon the skills of the engineers and technicians who construct and maintain the network.

"It is essential that LINX accreditation of Internet technicians maintains the highest standards of competency and that is reflected in the results of the people taking the first module."

Redhill-based Systems & Network Training Ltd is delivering the LINX Accredited Internet Technician (LAIT) training programme. The course - consisting of three modules each lasting five days - is designed primarily for people who already have IT engineering skills but need additional training in Internet-specific technologies.

Systems & Network Training founder Steve Groombridge added: "Trainees who score higher than 55 per cent in the first module can advance to the second module which will help address any areas of weakness. However, they must re-take the examination and exceed the 70 per cent score to earn LINX accreditation.

"Anyone who is new to Internet technologies will obviously find the course content challenging and may need to do some supplementary studying. The trainees gave the course content a 97 per cent rating and their comments clearly demonstrate the standards of tuition have been exceptional.

"We could have easily set a lower pass score but that would only have devalued the qualification. LINX is widely respected as being at the heart of the UK Internet community and this accreditation will establish the highest standards of technical competence."

The three modules cover everything from fundamental networking and routing skills through to advanced techniques such as border gateway protocol (BGP) and multi-protocol label switching (MPLS). The programme was created after LINX members recognised that a shortage of skilled network engineers could impede the phenomenal growth in Internet use and the development of e-commerce in the UK.

LINX is also co-operating with UK universities to ensure that Internet computing degree syllabuses match the industry's needs for Internet engineers and is developing a web-based bulletin board to co-ordinate work experience placements for undergraduates who want careers in the Internet industry.

LINX owns and maintains high-capacity routing equipment at six London-based tele-hotels to provide 'peering' inter-connections between its members companies of 120 Internet service providers (ISP) and content delivery service providers. Its facilities handle up to 96 per cent of UK Internet traffic with peak volumes currently exceeding 10 gigabits per second.