Free access to Samsung Virtual Training Academy

"While a lot of attention has been placed on solutions for traditional school subjects, like science and maths, not much has been done to empower computer users. The partnership with VTC allows Samsung to offer its customers an invaluable resource to get the most out of their computer software and benefit from the skills, knowledge, increased productivity and self-empowerment offered through the Samsung Virtual Training Academy," said Mike van Lier, business leader for IT solutions of Samsung Electronics South Africa.

With more than 100 000 online training videos available on popular applications, which include Windows 8, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Adobe Photoshop and many more, the Samsung Virtual Training Academy has been designed to allow all members of the family to enhance their computer and software application skills.

An opportunity to study further

Van Lier believes that this provides an ideal opportunity for people who might not have the resources or time to study further, now to have a portal where they can pursue their interests, enhance their careers, and upskill themselves, anytime, anywhere, at their own pace.

"Someone who has always had an interest in video editing, graphics design or even website development, for example, might have been intimidated by the software or expense associated with training courses. By getting access to the Samsung Virtual Training Academy, anyone can now get significant practical upskilling and knowledge using these software applications. So, when it comes time for job interviews, they can really highlight their application knowledge and skills," continued Van Lier.

Samsung believes that the Samsung Virtual Training Academy and partnership with VTC are important elements of giving people access to value-added solutions that will enhance their daily lives and careers, on top of the innovative hardware and software already provided by the manufacturer.

"Physical Training courses can vary in price from R1500 to over R6000 per course, but the Samsung Virtual Training Academy provides an opportunity for people to train and upskill themselves for free, and at their own pace from anywhere they have Internet access. Additionally, all the training courses are completely modular so people can focus on the skills they need."

The training concept is built around a lecturer explaining (visually and audibly) the module, using the application on a hands-on basis. Users can download the specific work book related to the lecture and can work on the concepts explained. The training is done on a professional interface developed specifically for Samsung.

Additionally, users can leverage of the AlwaysOn WiFi offer from Samsung, which allows a user of a Samsung Windows-based PC device, 1GB of free WiFi data a month, for a period of 12 months, to access online content if they do not have Internet access at home. This is conditional to being within an AlwaysOn hot spot.

"Given the need for a technology-savvy workforce, Samsung is excited by the opportunities that the Samsung Virtual Training Academy will provide people. Now, users can really empower themselves and gain professional skills to enhance their day-to-day lives by increased productivity and gained knowledge," concluded Van Lier.