Ottawa – October 20, 2014 – Today, while celebrating Ottawa Cyber Security Day with Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT) and Invest Ottawa, Willis College officially launched its new Advanced Network Security Professional Program.

This is the next step in Willis College’s partnership with Fortinet to provide students with the skills they need to work at Fortinet’s new location in Ottawa.

On site for the official launch of the event was the FortiExpress – Fortinet’s fully equipped, state-of-the-art network security briefing centre on wheels.  Attendees were also able to tour the new Fortinet Lab at Willis College, where students will soon receive their training.

“We are thrilled to officially launch this new program,” said Rima Aristocrat, Willis College’s President and CEO.  “Through our employer driven partnership with Fortinet, we are creating jobs right here in our backyard and doing our part to bridge the skills gap.”

“Information technology security is increasingly essential to industry, government and education,” said Graham Bushkes, vice president of Canadian sales at Fortinet.  “And Willis College graduates are well equipped to navigate the constantly evolving cybersecurity landscape.”

“Willis College is an important part of Ottawa’s amazing talent-producing ecosystem which is ranked per capita as 2nd of 316 North American cities,” says Bruce Lazenby, CEO of Invest Ottawa. “Global companies like Fortinet hire here because they get world class talent at ‎fair market rates.”

Ottawa Cyber Security Day isn’t the only reason for celebration – these festivities also coincide with Willis College’s 119^th birthday.