APDIP-IOSN Training of Trainers Pilot

A major barrier against adoption and deployment of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in developing of countries in the Asia Pacific is the lack of human resources with FOSS skills. This pilot programme aims to address the problem by training trainers in countries, so that these trainers in turn will be able to train other trainers and therefore kick start self sustaining development of FOSS human resources. Vietnam was chosen as the ideal place for the pilot because of existing FOSS initiatives, government endorsement via an extensive 5-year plan to encourage FOSS usage in Vietnam. This pilot programme can be used as basis for a national implementation.

Objective

To hold a training of trainers session over 9 days, after which they will sit for examination to be certified as LPI Level 1 Linux professionals. In conjunction with this training, on the day of examination 6 proctors from South East Asia will be trained . These proctors will then be able to administer low cost LPI examinations throughout the region.

Capacity building

Countries that want to adopt FOSS need to build capacity for ICT and FOSS by developing and increasing the pool of human resources skilled in FOSS. Training of trainers program starts off this process by providing a self sustaining program. Using an internationally recognized skills standard will also aid the local ICT industry as it opens the doors to foreign investment and the international market.

Model program

A sustainable FOSS training program coupled with affordable internationally recognized certification has yet to be implemented in South East Asia. Additionally this program has taken into consideration the needs of different countries to make it easily adaptable and implemented in countries other than Vietnam. Considerations include vendor neutrality for Linux distributions, training materials and training programs.

Scope

The scope of this training program is both local and regional. Linux training participants will be from Vietnam, but the proctors for examinations will be from 6 countries in the region. The training materials and training program are already open content licensed, and any new material will also be licensed under open content for other countries to adopt and use as needed.

Methodology

Trainer will train at a training lab, participants to sit and pass LPI Level 1 exam after a 9 day training course based on GNU/Linux LPI training materials. For the examination an LPI proctor trainer, will do a practical training for the 6 proctors in conducting an LPI examination.

Desired Outcomes

• LPI Level 1 Certified trainers who will then be able to conduct similar training workshops.
• Certified LPI proctors who can administer affordable LPI certification examinations throughout region.
• Training materials including course outline, presentations and notes to be available under an open content license.
• Paper detailing training of trainers program and the creation of a sustainable and affordable model for the development and certification of Linux professionals.