Free eLearning, redesigned instructor-led classes, and new certifications strengthen skills in the partner community
Milestone Systems has launched a new Learning & Performance Program designed to 
build greater expertise in designing, installing, and configuring solutions that meet customer needs. Hosted on a new Milestone Learning Portal, partners and customers can access a growing library of free eLearning courses. In addition, Milestone has also launched a redesigned Training and Certification Program as an integral part of the 2016 Channel Partner Program (CPP).
The new instructor-led training classes use real-world scenarios to give hands-on practice in designing, installing, and configuring complex video surveillance systems based on Milestone software. The new certification assessments are available online, do not require attendance in a class, and are designed to better verify the knowledge and skill required to perform on the job.
The new Milestone Learning Portal, provided by vendor partner BlueVolt, gives expanded, secure online capabilities, including:
- A single sign-on user experience from My Milestone
- Easy access to and completion tracking of eLearning courses
- The ability to register and pay for instructor-led classes and certification assessments online
- Availability in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
“This is an exciting time as we bring to market this wide variety of learning tools to help build expertise and drive performance in the field” said Greg Willmarth, Manager, Learning & Performance, Milestone Systems. “Our new Learning & Performance Program marks Milestone’s shift from communicating knowledge to empowering channel performance through learning. We also aim to raise the bar for certifications to indicate a proven level of expertise with our products rather than merely attendance in a training class.”
Over the past year, Milestone began releasing new eLearning courses in multiple languages provided for free as part of Milestone CARE. These include courses for technicians on installing and configuring XProtect Professional software and Milestone Husky NVRs, as well as courses for end user operators on using the XProtect Smart Client. Additionally, eight different eLearning modules were made available teaching how to use the new features in Milestone’s XProtect 2016 release. All the eLearning modules, which use hands-on simulations to walk learners step-by-step through the basic tasks required to perform on the job, are available online and can be accessed from tablets when out in the field.
Starting in March, the first new instructor-led class, Milestone Technical Configuration: Level 1 became available in English in the US. This 3-day class is 90% hands on practice using job aids to complete moderately complex installations based on real-world case study scenarios. It prepares learners to pass the new Milestone Certified Integration Technician (MCIT) assessment. When localizations are completed in April, this class and certification assessment will be offered globally. A Level 2 class and a Milestone Certified Integration Engineer (MCIE) certification will also be available starting in May.
For the first time, Milestone is teaching a class and conducting a certification assessment on best practices in system design. The new 2-day Milestone Solution Design class uses a case study approach to teach best practice in designing surveillance systems that meet customer needs. This class and the new Milestone Certified Design Engineer (MCIE) certification assessment will be available starting in April.
“Even correctly installing the best software in the industry won’t result in satisfied customers if the system wasn’t designed to meet their needs from the start. We recognized this knowledge and skill gap and realized we needed to expand our focus past our own software,” said Willmarth. “What does a Milestone certification mean? It is a brand promise from our company to our customers about the level of our partner community’s expertise. We intend to empower on-the-job performance to reduce the time for installations and improve the quality of project outcomes, to minimize risks and add more value for Milestone implementations.”
To ensure that the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond channel partners do in fact possess the expertise needed, Milestone’s 2016 Channel Partner Program requires both the design and technical certifications. The good news for partners who already possess the required level of skill with Milestone products is that training has been separated from certification. This means that skilled partners can take the certification assessment without having to attend a training class.
To learn more about these programs and access the free eLearning, visit the Learning & Performance web page at http://pardot.milestonesys.com/e/53942/ices-learning-and-performance-/b4xltc/300260174.
To see a demonstration of the new Learning & Performance training, visit Milestone Systems at booth 20060 during the ISC West security industry trade show, at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas April 6-8.
