In response to industry demand The Software Bureau is launching The Cygnus Academy, a series of accreditations covering data processing for direct mail production and data hygiene.
The accreditations can be gained by attending examined training courses, which will take place around the country throughout the year. The training courses will be offered in three levels; introductory, intermediate and advanced and are open to anyone in the industry, not just Cygnus users.
Overview of courses
Introductory level:
This course is aimed at new recruits and those that have little knowledge of using Cygnus. The course, entitled ‘An Introduction to Cygnus’, will ensure they are capable of not only using the software on a productive level, but also have a rudimentary understanding of data production and cleansing.
Intermediate level:
Cygnus users with either the ‘Introduction to Cygnus’ qualification or with 6 months plus experience of using the software, are the target audience for this course. Moving into more advanced areas of software functionality and industry practices, the attendee will achieve a good level of knowledge and be able to perform and complete more demanding data campaigns.
Advanced Level:
The ‘Advanced’ level course would be the appropriate one having either passed the ‘Intermediate’ level course, or having 2+ years’ experience with Cygnus. At the end of this course, the user will have a significant knowledge of advanced features, including scripting techniques, and a much better appreciation of industry best practices specifically concerning the ‘green’ aspect of direct mail and data cleansing.
To accompany the Cygnus Academy The Software Bureau is launching the first data hygiene and data processing educational forum on LinkedIn. Industry figures will be able to share development suggestions, ask questions and discuss topical issues such as the introduction of Mailmark.
Comments Mark Dobson, Client Services Director, The Software Bureau:
“We’re excited to be launching the Cygnus Academy as we believe, after listening to clients and speaking to other industry figures, that there is a need for an element of qualification in data processing and data hygiene. Anecdotally, employers have said that having an accreditation on a CV will make applicants more attractive. But equally, we’re hoping that providing data processing and hygiene training we can add an additional layer of legitimacy to direct mail, which continues to be attacked in the popular press.”
The first courses are taking place in September and October and will cost a nominal fee of £150.
