Success Stories

Sivaganavel Kularasalingam CCNA

A tale of hard work, dedication and reward.

Siva, is a Cisco Academy student whose hard work and dedication has been an inspiration to us all. His study has been characterised by excellent focus and a dedication to the task at hand.

Siva came to the UK in 2002 from Sri Lanka and became a Brent Project student at John Kelly. He started in JKTC 6 th Form in 2002 and began the IT Essential course in the Cisco Academy. Immediately after completing the course Siva set about applying his new found knowledge and skills in a very practical and entrepreneurial way: he built and sold a PC to a colleague - eventually building and selling a further nine machines, his aim being to finance himself through university.

In 2004, being ambitious and wanting to make the best of his opportunities whilst at JKTC, Siva started the four Cisco CCNA courses which he finally completed in August 2007, taking the external CCNA exam and passing with flying colours. He then took the opportunity to undertake the Instructor Fast Track Course where he also successfully completed.

As a measure of Siva’s ambition and enterprise, when it came to the point quite where the academy staff had to install new network infrastructure to a classroom in the 6 th Form at John Kelly, Siva grasped the opportunity to engage in real work experience, voluntarily giving up holiday and spare time to assist. Since then he has been involved installing additional network segments in JKGTC and the 6 th Form and is now employed one day a week to assist in network management of the 6 th Form/Business Centre. When he is not at JKTC Siva is attending Kingston University completing a Computing Science degree course.

In terms of personal qualities that have helped Siva to become the success story that his is, it is his ability to work methodically, get totally involved in the hands-on labs, never shying away from using his troubleshooting skills and never flinching from responsibility that have held him such good stead. The future looks very bright for Siva and when he completes a Microsoft MCP qualification he will be extremely well placed to begin his career in networking. His future is now assured.

Well done Siva!

Malik Ali Khan (Year 12) proudly shows off his brand new ECDL certificate which he recently achieved by completing the seven units of the European Computer Driving Licence course.

Largely working on his own, Malik studied hard and showed considerable dedication and determination in his bid to achieve this prestigious award. He is the first student ever at JKTC to do so.

There are many different computer courses available. This makes the choice daunting for employers and individuals alike. ECDL is a standard definition and an actual measure of computer skills that is internationally recognised, and it provides a balance between employer needs and employee skills. It is fast becoming the most widely recognised computer qualification worldwide because of its relevance to employers and individuals and the support and monitoring of the organisations behind it. Moreover, it is fully supported by the European Union, ensuring standards and levels of quality throughout Europe.

• The seven modules of ECDL comprise:
• Basic Concepts of Information Technology
• Using the Computer and Managing Files
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Presentation
• Database
• Information and Communication

Well done to Malik Ali Khan for his success!

Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)

Zoheir Cheref is a typical adult success story. Joining us in 2003 he rapidly completed CCNA gaining his external qualification the next year. Zoheir was employed by the colleges’ outreach technicians’ team (servicing schools in Brent) whilst continuing his studies. Later he joined JKTC as a Cisco Academy Instructor. He completed his Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) in 2007 and was promptly snapped up by industry.

Christel leads the Way!

Once the Cisco Networking Academy had started at JKTC the take-up of courses has been good among the boys but girls have been poorly represented over the years. Yet a career in IT data networking offers unlimited rewards and benefits. Whether it is because networking skills and concepts are seen by girls to be a ‘boy’s thing’ or whether it is ‘too technical for me’, sadly, it is true that there are too few girls taking up the networking courses we offer at JKTC. However, one Year 12 student, Christel Gomez is determined to buck the trend. Not only has she enrolled for the new Cisco Discovery 1 course but is absolutely flying through it proving once and for all that girls can and do succeed remarkably well in this field. Indeed, her quiet determination, tenacity and effort are an inspiration to us all! Her fellow students are very respectful of her abilities and achievements.

As Christel explains:

“I find Cisco Networking a very interesting course. I’ve learnt so many things in this course, from constructing cables to building a network. The hands-on activities are fun and the knowledge and skills that I get are indeed useful in this modern world. Cisco networking is internationally recognised so there are lots of great opportunities out there. Who knows? I could get a career in computer networking one day?”

Is Christel unique in her achievements? Possibly. However, she is showing JKTC girls that they too can and do succeed in technical courses, laying down the foundation for a rewarding career in computer networking which can and does offer real employment in the IT industry.

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