Program Title Power Management Certificate
Type of Program Technical Training
Training Modality This six-month to one-year workshop incorporates hands-on training, distance learning, and computer-based testing.  Participants may visit the U.S. WiderNet Program office depending on the needs and wants of the institution.

Training begins with an intensive one- to two-week course by WiderNet staff, followed by months of distance training, online assignments and hands-on technical practice. As questions arise, answers may be sought through several avenues, including direct email with WiderNet staff, customized CD-ROMs with over 5,000 web-based sources and online discussion panels. The extended training model allows participants adequate time to apply their lessons in the field to increase long-term skill retention.

Description This program will train two or more full-time technicians per campus to install and maintain power protection schemes for all types of ICT installations, from  individual computers, to network equipment closets, multimedia classrooms, and large computer labs. 

The course teaches all kinds of money- and energy- saving tips, for example: replace costly individual uninterrupted power supplies (or UPSs) for every work station with battery and inverter systems.

Solar power generation may be a possibility, pending thorough cost analysis to determine which alternative power source best meet the goals of the institution.

The program features long-term solutions to power supply management like

  • Battery/inverter systems
  • Energy conservation schemes
  • Grounding
  • Surge protection

In doing so, a university can

  • Prevent surges and spikes from the electrical grid
  • Learn maintenance, operation, and eventual replacement of power protection systems
  • Save money on energy bills

Trainees will develop maintenance and inspection schedules for as well as five- and ten-year projections to ensure sustainability of the new system.  

Background Information All ICT endeavors rely upon the provision of good, safe, clean, and reliable power. Whether outages occur once an hour or once a week, a university must invest in power protection to maintain a functional, reliable network for their users.