[ILUG] [OT?] [commercial] anyone want to train linux ?

[Niall O Broin]

On Wed, Jun 21, 2000 at 03:49:12PM +0000, Andrew Kemmy wrote:

> Please forgive if this seems like head-hunting but we are a bit stuck.

Head hunting is generally tolerated on this list, so don't worry about that.

> We have a requirement to deliver basic Linux training e.g.
> taking non-Linux support personnel, giving them an intro to:
> 
> 	install - lilo, boot floppies, etc.
> 	shell commands, pipes, etc,
> 	networking - e.g. how to add NIC, DNS, NFS, NIS,
> 	configuring X, KDE, Gnome

After the training, what do you want them to be able to do ? If they could
do all of the above competently, they'd be quite advanced users, but there
is a HUGE amount of material there. You are certainly not going to get the
average "Click the Start Button" support person to that level in a week (in
fact, you may never get the average "Click the Start Button" support person
to that level :-) ) the average "Click the Start Button" support person to
that level.

> I think if we could get them to "advanced user" stage that would be
> good. e.g. familiarity with SuSE / Red Hat manuals type-level.

I think other "advanced users" here would agree with me when I say that
"familiarity with SuSE / Red Hat manuals type-level" does not constitute an
advanced user. Also be aware that there are substantial differences between
RedHat and SuSE. In the great scheme of things they are insignificant, but
they will appear large to newbies e.g. linuxconf or control-panel vs. Yast
for configuration, subtle differences in file locations (Filesystem Standard
where are you when we need you ?)

> I am familiar with this material & would be willing to deliver the
> course.

I am also very familiar with the material, and might be willing to discuss
delivering such a course, but there's more to delivering a course than
familiarity. For instance, there's the issue of a training course per se,
and training materials etc. You could have someone ad-lib, or work through a
RedHat / SuSE manual, but I don't think training professionals think that's
the optimum way of training (I like to learn this way, because I object to
the dumbing down of many training courses, but it doesn't suit everyone).

> Apart from mise there is no-one "in-house" willing to deliver this
> course.

AFAIR from eXpo there a souple of companies offering Linux training
commercialy in Ireland - perhaps you should talk to them. The only one I can
think of off-hand is 

Global Knowledge Ireland, Fitzwilton House, Wilton Place, Dublin 2.
Tel: 353 (0) 1 613 0340
Fax: 353 (0) 1 613 0341
Email: salesdesk.ie at globalknowledge.net
Web: http://www.globalknowledge.ie


> (Draw yer own conclusions !!)

Why does the company suddenly want people Linux trained, I wonder ?

> Payment rates would be in line with "Microsoft Certified Trainers" for
> right person. 

Unless I sadly miss my guess, you're going to have to pay more for the right
person than for a "Microsoft Certified Trainers" - this would be the kind of
trainer who teaches secretaries how to use Word, no ? To get people where
you want them at Global Knowledge, you'd have to have them do Introduction
to Red Hat Linux (RH033) and Red Hat Linux Systems Administrator I & II
(RH133) - each is a four day course, and each costs £1295. I got those
details from www.globalknowledge.ie but as some pages are headed "Welcome To
Global Knowledge UK" I'd imagine those prices are sterling, so you'd be
spending about IR£3300 per head on training. I suppose Global Knowledge
would give you a discount for quantity, or even give the course in house,
but those are the kinds of costs you're looking at.

> Once more apologies if this post offends.

Apart from when you mentioned "Microsoft Certified Trainers" . . . .

Feel free to contact me off list for a private discussion, if you feel so
inclined.


Regards,


Niall  O Broin