Mitel has signed 25 new channel partners in Australia and New Zealand in the second half of 2009, and has expanded its training programs for the region to complement its sales growth for unified communications solutions.

A full range of self-paced online training courses are offered at no cost to Mitel partners in the region. These courses provide additional training that IT staff can take at their location which can minimise the potential disruption caused when support staff are unavailable to work while attending training. Program certification is recorded on an individual basis, and follows the career of individuals. The free online training program is in addition to classroom-based training courses.

Launched in July 2009, Mitel established an internship program in Australia that trains intern engineers in all of the latest Mitel unified communications solutions. After three months of hands-on experience at Mitel's Sydney technical support centre, job opportunities are found for the interns with Mitel partners.

Mitel's PARTNERprogram consists of three levels - authorizedPARTNER, selectPARTNER, and premierPARTNER, with each level differentiated by emphasis on service delivery capabilities and training for sales and technical staff. selectPARTNER and premierPARTNER status must employ an agreed number of Mitel certified technical staff, as well as offer different levels of technical support. premierPARTNERs are required to have a 24 x 7 technical support help desk and an in-house demonstration centre.