McMaster and Nexient Forge New, Expanded Relationship

Multi-faceted agreement encompasses program recognition, eLearning collaboration, and the development of joint offerings.

TORONTO , Nov. 16 /CNW/ - Nexient Learning, a Global Knowledge Company, and the McMaster University Centre for Continuing Education today announced a broad collaboration agreement, under which the university will continue to recognize Nexient's market-leading programs in Project Management, Program Management, Business Analysis, and Business Architecture. Under the new agreement Nexient will also contribute eLearning expertise to the Centre for Continuing Education, and the two organizations will collaborate on the expansion of the Centre's highly-regarded offerings in its local market.

"Our relationship with Nexient goes back almost 10 years, and this agreement will enable us to take the relationship to the next level," said Tracey Taylor-O'Reilly, Director of the McMaster Centre. "When we learned that Nexient was to be acquired by Global Knowledge, we realized there was an opportunity to marry Nexient's program expertise with the stability and global reach of one of the world's leading training and development organizations. We believe this presents Nexient and McMaster with tremendous new opportunities to serve the needs of our learners."

Donna de Winter, President of Nexient Learning, praised the university for its ongoing commitment. "The relationships we have with our customers aren't for a week or for a month; in many cases, these relationships can last for many years. Our learners have come to expect recognition from McMaster for these strategic programs, and we're delighted that they will continue to receive that recognition in the years to come."

Nexient offers a broad open-enrolment calendar in its 13 campuses across Canada , and offers private training on customer premises. In addition to existing Nexient locations, the company and McMaster will collaborate on developing additional and enchanced offerings that the Centre for Continuing Education will deliver from its Hamilton campus as well as through distance education.

About Nexient Learning

Nexient Learning, a Global Knowledge Company, is the largest corporate training and talent development company in Canada , serving more than 100,000 learners per year. Headquartered in Toronto , Ontario, Nexient delivers the broadest choice of top-caliber, industry-recognized curricula in IT, business process improvement, and leadership business solutions. With 13 locations across Canada , Nexient offers innovative learning solutions in both classroom and online formats. The company's web site is at www.nexientlearning.com.

About the Centre for Continuing Education at McMaster University

McMaster University, a world-renowned, research-intensive university, fosters a culture of innovation, and a commitment to discovery and learning in teaching, research and scholarship. Based in Hamilton, Ontario, the University, one of only four Canadian universities to be listed on the Top 100 universities in the world, has a student population of more than 23,000, and an alumni population of more than 131,000 in 128 countries.

The Centre for Continuing Education at McMaster University provides high-quality, professional education for individuals and corporate clients, offering over 300 credit courses and professional development workshops, and a rich menu of options for customized corporate training. The Centre offers small classes and flexible learning options to accommodate the unique needs of adult learners.

About Global Knowledge

Global Knowledge is the worldwide leader in IT and business skills training. The company delivers via training centers, private facilities, and the Internet, enabling its customers to choose when, where, and how they want to receive training programs and learning services. The company offers more than 700 courses spanning foundational and specialized training and certifications. Founded in 1995, Global Knowledge employs more than 1,300 people worldwide and is headquartered in Cary, N.C. The company is owned by New York-based investment firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson, and Stowe. The company's web site is at www.globalknowledge.com.

For further information: please contact: Shaun Jackson, Director of Marketing, Nexient Learning, Tel: [phone] x2220, Email: [email protected]