Tech Talent: Viatel, TU Dublin, and Cisco’s Classroom to Customer Blueprint
Viatel Technology Group is celebrating its longstanding partnership with Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and the Cisco Networking Academy, reinforcing a shared commitment to developing industry ready talent that delivers long-term value for customers.
The Cisco Networking Academy is Cisco’s largest corporate social responsibility programme, designed to equip learners from all backgrounds with industry relevant skills and clear pathways into technology careers. Since its inception, the programme has trained more than 28 million learners globally, including over 55,000 in Ireland, supporting employability and social mobility through technical education.
Elizabeth Barr, Cisco Networking Academy Lead for Ireland and the UK, said:
A key component of the programme is Cisco’s Learn and Work model, which combines classroom learning with real world experience. Students apply their skills on live projects, developing not only technical capability but also professional competencies such as troubleshooting, teamwork and accountability. This ensures graduates enter the workplace with practical knowhow, not theory alone.
Cisco has been a technology partner of Viatel’s for almost 20 years, with Viatel recognised as one of its leading Irish partners. In 2025, Viatel further strengthened this relationship by securing the Cisco Premier Provider Worldwide Status reflecting its depth of expertise, service excellence and commitment to responsible innovation.
Damien McCann, Managing Director, Viatel Communications Services, said:
Our longstanding partnership with Cisco and TU Dublin allows us to turn learning into lived experience. By bringing interns into Viatel and developing them within a business recognised through the Cisco Premier Provider Worldwide Status, we build stronger teams who understand our customers deeply over time. That continuity delivers consistent service quality, faster issue resolution and fresh thinking when tackling complex challenges for our customers.
Viatel began its partnership with TU Dublin in 2016, working closely with the university through the Cisco Networking Academy to support industry aligned education and early career development. TU Dublin has been deeply engaged with the Academy for many years, delivering programmes across multiple departments and supporting academies and educators nationwide. Its Premier+ status places TU Dublin among the top five percent of Networking Academy partners globally, reflecting excellence in delivery and a strong commitment to learner success.
Tom Nolan, Lecturer in Informatics and Cyber Security at TU Dublin, said:
TU Dublin provides a strong academic foundation, Cisco brings world class technology, and companies like Viatel are where theory becomes real. Students gain exposure to enterprise grade networks, security and collaboration in live environments, ensuring they graduate with skills that are directly aligned to real world industry needs.
By connecting education, certification and hands on industry experience, the partnership creates clear pathways from learning to employment. This strengthens Viatel’s delivery capability, ensuring customers benefit from experienced teams, deep technical expertise and consistent service over the long term.
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