Fujitsu has rolled out partner-centric training and simplified certification for SELECT channel partners. The updated programme removes Expert Status expiry dates and puts a greater focus on the individual needs of partners, ensuring they can build the future-facing skills they need to be successful and meet customers’ changing demands.
Fujitsu’s SELECT Partner Program is designed to support channel partners as they transition from IT resellers to fully-fledged trusted technology advisors, helping them acquire the new skills needed to support customers’ digital transformations.
Fernanda Catarino, Head of Channel Europe at Fujitsu said, “it’s commonplace for channel partners to have to re-take training courses just to retain current certification – and that’s absurd because it means making a considerable time investment for no gain. As we focus on enabling Fujitsu SELECT channel partners to grow, we are focusing on delivering customised training plans that focus on the skills that our partners need – and removing the ‘box-checking’ requirements of many traditional accreditation programmes. This sets Fujitsu’s valued partners up for success – allowing them to build on existing competencies to meet end-customer demands to deliver increasingly complex solutions.”
At the heart of the updated approach is a new partner-centric training initiative. This equips hand-picked partners with the skills needed to take a solution-based sales approach and act as digital trusted advisors. The new training strategy combines classic sales methodology (How to sell) with intensive education on the Fujitsu product portfolio (What to sell) and is delivered via a combination of e-learning, virtual instructor-led training and practical exercises. With a focus on results, the training also includes several months of individual follow up via personal coaching.
The programme involves each SELECT Circle partner member jointly developing an individual, customised training plan together with Fujitsu. This plan is designed to meet a partner’s specific business priorities and concentrates on obtaining accreditation in relevant portfolio areas – for example in hybrid cloud, hyper-converged infrastructure or data protection, and in technology areas such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and specific vertical markets.
Training for all SELECT channel partners is delivered via the Fujitsu SELECT Academy. This offers both live and on-demand online learning options for a broad cross-section of topics. These range from intensive training on Fujitsu products through to courses on sales skills and technical education.
To identify 2020’s most innovative Channel partners, Fujitsu is also calling for entries for its 2020 SELECT Innovation Awards. In line with its expanded focus on the partner ecosystem, Fujitsu is casting its net wide – and accepting entries from a wider than ever selection of partners, including service providers, emerging technology specialists and SELECT Experts.
To enter, partners should complete the nomination form for the project or projects that best illustrate the innovative ways they are leveraging Fujitsu technologies to create positive change. Only projects that are fully implemented by the date of submission are eligible. The deadline for entries is 10th September 2020 at midday Central European Summer Time (CEST).
