.svg)
Draka has signed up to support the recently introduced Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI) certification for cable installers. The CNCI program and certification is aimed at helping to shape the future of the network cabling infrastructure industry by introducing professional and industry recognised certification to cable installers, as James Hunt reports:
Having signed up, leading cable manufacturer Draka now accepts CNCI accreditation as a demonstration of competence for contractors looking to join its own UC Connect Approved Installers scheme, which was launched in 2012.
Draka is one of the latest companies to have signed up to support the new CNCI certification for cable installers. This is an important move, not least when considering the huge risks associated with not employing professionally qualified people staff, coupled with the often greatly improved Return on Investment (ROI) from using trained staff.
High quality with reduced risk
It is considered crucially important, therefore, to have trained and qualified employees that can be relied upon to deliver high quality and consistent results. This is why the CNCI, which has achieved vendor acceptance, was devised.
This certification scheme has been designed for those who want to demonstrate the highest levels of knowledge, skills and expertise in network cabling infrastructures. This helps reduce project and other risks, and organisations can trust that their staffs are competent to meet the latest, often tricky, industry demands. Being CNCI certified can also help secure an organisation’s professional reputation, it is claimed.
Draka’s Product Manager for UC Connect, Lee Stokes, is hugely supportive of the new certification, saying: “There’s no doubt that this is a sign that the industry is at last growing up.
“For a long time the industry has needed a set level of competence that everyone recognises and trusts. The determination of the team at CNet Training has resulted in the CNCI programme to deliver that.”
Lee Stokes sees benefits to both the manufacturer and installer. He explained: “Draka is a manufacturer, not a training provider. Having an industry-led training programme delivered by a professional training company allows us to focus our resources where they should be – on providing the best products and most comprehensive technical support to our UC Connect installers.”
In theory and practice
The comprehensive CNCI programme blends theoretical study and practical installation with testing and survey exercises to provide the right level of knowledge and skills for both copper and fibre cable installation practices.
Having official CNCI certification proves that an individual is qualified to undertake cable installation projects to the highest possible level, whilst working to the current industry standards and also following the latest codes of best practice.
For those who have yet to undertake CNCI programme, or who decide not to do so, Draka says that it will still provide its current training programme to ensure that all contractors have the opportunity to join the UC Connect scheme.
It’s important to note, however, that CNet Training – which is the provider of the CNIC programme – has pointed out that the days of manufacturer-led training programmes may be numbered. Commented CNet Training MD Andrew Stevens: “The industry has been crying out for this type of universal certification for years yet nobody has been able to tackle the problem successfully.
“Not only have installers and manufacturers been very quick to come on board, but we are now starting to see the first specifications requiring the use of CNCI certified contractors,” he concluded.
More on the CNCI
The CNCI also incorporates the Fluke Versiv CCTT programme, providing full certification, and the Excel System Installation programme, eliminating the need for individuals to attend the two-day Excel program - and instead just take the Excel Online training element.
This programme is important for individuals currently working within, or wishing to enter, the cable installation and infrastructure environments. The organisers say that project managers, IT personnel, installation technicians (including electrical contractors and installers), network engineers, data centre technicians and electrical engineers should all benefit from attending the CNCI programme.
To learn more about this 10-day course, please use the link just below