Lexmark has launched a training certification program for channel partners in the Australia and New Zealand region.

The global imaging solutions leader says the program is designed to enhance channel partners' service capabilities, and to support their sales and marketing efforts.

Each training certificate will be rewarded to channel partners who have completed a number of courses via different formats, including face to face workshops, online courses at Lexmark University, or attendance at the company's regular themed webinars.

The training will include insights from guest industry leaders, as well as from Lexmark's own solutions and vertical experts.

Starting today, partners in ANZ will be able to earn points with each training event, which will lead to training certification in cloud print services, MPS for the channel, customer solutions and services, and industry sector expertise in areas such as healthcare, financial services and retail.

Resellers who earn the training certificates will be able to display them in their sales and marketing collateral for three years, after which period further training will be required.

Lexmark states it is committed to delivering an ongoing and up-to-date training program, so that partners in ANZ can remain competitive as the print market continues to evolve in the coming years.

Lexmark regional director for Australia and New Zealand, Stephen Bell, says, “We've designed our training certification program to support our channel partners with content that goes beyond just the products.

"We're focusing on helping our partners to grow their businesses and strengthen their customer relationships, working together on new ideas and opportunities, and supporting more efficient ways to create value to for channel partners and their end-customers."

Bell says, “Our program is structured to help partners to build value now and in the long run, and to adapt to broader business trends such as the move towards A4 printing, with competences in key industry sectors such as health and retail.

"It's also designed to support partners who are looking to build or enhance profitable ‘as a service' offerings, incorporating cloud services alongside print.

“Similar to how IT service providers pitch to their customers, print resellers will also be able to demonstrate with their training certificates that they hold relevant skills in specific areas."

The company also states that channel partners in Australia and New Zealand awarded with training certificates by Lexmark will also be rewarded with LEAP points, which they'll be able to convert into LEAP Lexmark Sales Rewards.

The range of rewards cover electronics, holiday packages, accessories and others. Lexmark's training certification program is available starting today to all partners in the ANZ region signed up to the company's Connect Partner Program.