Training & Certification Lexicon
Closing the Skills Gap: Professional Vocational Training for the Exascale Era.
A
- Apprenticeship (Dual Education): A system that combines on-the-job training in a technical company with vocational school education, highly prevalent in Central Europe for training IT System Electronics and Technicians.
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect: A globally recognized certification validating technical expertise in designing and deploying scalable, highly available systems on the Amazon Web Services platform.
C
- Certification: A third-party credential that validates a person's knowledge and skills in a specific technology or methodology (e.g., CCNA, CKA).
- CKA (Certified Kubernetes Administrator): A critical certification for software integrators, confirming the ability to install, configure, and manage production-grade Kubernetes clusters.
- CompTIA Security+: An entry-level, vendor-neutral certification that validates the baseline skills necessary to perform core security functions in an IT environment.
H
- Hands-on Training: A learning approach where participants actively perform technical tasks, such as configuring a Lustre file system or fine-tuning a GPU cluster, rather than just observing.
L
- Lifelong Learning (LLL): The "ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated" pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons, essential in the rapidly evolving field of AI and HPC.
- Linux Professional Institute (LPI): An organization providing certifications for Linux system administrators, crucial for anyone working in an HPC environment.
M
- Micro-Credentials: Small, stackable qualifications that focus on a very specific skill, such as "GPU Parallel Programming" or "Quantum Circuit Design."
N
- NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI): A provider of hands-on training for developers and data scientists focusing on solving real-world problems using AI and accelerated computing.
S
- Skills Gap: The discrepancy between the skills required by the IT/HPC industry (e.g., Parallel Programming) and the skills possessed by the available workforce.
- Soft Skills for IT Professionals: Non-technical skills such as project management, communication, and strategic thinking that are critical for leading technical departments.
V
- Vocational Training: Education that prepares people to work in various jobs, such as a trade, a craft, or as a technician, focusing on practical skills over academic theory.
Malgukke Insight: Certification vs. Competence
Certifications are the entry ticket, but in HPC and Large Data, **Competence** is proven through production stability. We recommend a training path that combines **Vendor Certifications** (like NVIDIA or AWS) with **Project-Based Learning** in sandbox cluster environments. The goal is to move from "knowing the tool" to "architecting the solution."