RIYADH, 6 May — Here’s good news for Pinoys in Jeddah and Dammam who want to know more than use or play with computers: the ICE-R is coming!
Inspired by an unprecedented surge in the number of Filipinos who want to joint its computer training seminars, ICE-R, or the Institute of Computer Engineers-Riyadh (ICE-R), said it will expand to eastward and westward to serve more compatriots.
“In order to render service to more kababayan, we will soon become the Institute of Computer Engineers-International that will include Riyadh (main headquarters), Dammam, Jeddah, UK and the Philippines,” Ariel Gaan, ICE-R president, told Arab News.
After Arab News published ICE-R’s computer training project last week, the group was swamped with applicants for its 3rd training batch that it had to turn back many more enthusiasts when the number reached 156. It was not clear why they had to settle with the number 156 but Gaan said they were caught unprepared with the sudden surge in the number of applicants. He said they had prepared only 80 application forms, a number based on their first and second seminars.
The registration took place at the Second Philippine International School (SPIS) in Suleimania District last Friday.
Gaan confirmed that each officer ICE-R received a lot of calls and text messages inquiring about the training after reading of the group’s noble project.
“I have received a total of 178 calls almost 60 text messages. And until now, I am still receiving text and calls from those people who were not able to visit the institute to register but still are willing to join our program,” he added.
Training will start on May 10 at SPIS. The group has not decided yet when to start the fourth batch.
Among those who signed up for the training was a 12-year old boy. His mother, who accompanied him, also registered in the Computer Applications class, a training designed for women.
ICE-R has also started its Networking module for 40 trainees of the first and second batch last Friday.
Expectations
“Graduates of this course can immediately put their acquired learning into practical use by way of setting up their own Internet café or computer shop,” Gaan assured.
He added that the graduates could even change their careers from being a food server to a computer technician.
“It can also give additional income by assembling new computer system by providing customers guaranteed quality service and maintenance,” he said.
“Our graduates can even actually extend their training with the Philippine Institute of Computer Engineers (PhICEs) in Manila,” he said. ICE-R is an accredited member of PhICEs.
ICE-R trainees are required to finish at least two of the three modules. Computer Hardware Engineering, Networking, and Introduction to Programming seminar comprise the three modules offered.
Gaan further announced that a new module has been actually introduced, the Advanced Computer Hardware Engineering which requires 16 hours to complete.