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BCS IT qualifications 'most popular'
IT News |
10/07/2012
Two IT qualifications provided by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, were the most popular on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF), it has been revealed.
Recent statistics published by Ofqual show that the BCS Level 1 Award in IT User Skills (ECDL Essentials) and BCS Level 2 Certificate in IT User Skills (ECDL Extra) remain in strong demand.
The institute delivers ICT qualifications into schools across the UK, and the European Computer Driving Licence, (ECDL) was recently approved by the Department for Education for inclusion in the reformed performance table measures.
ECDL is a recognised global standard, providing proof of competency in the effective use of IT, and is on offer in nearly 2,000 education and training centres in Britain.
Martyn Lambert, director of qualifications at BCS, said the QCF result was not particularly surprising, given that 77 per cent of jobs require IT skills.
"The IT sector is currently one of the strongest sectors in terms of job growth," he noted.
Mr Lambert said it is important to ensure that students are leaving schools with the IT skills that employers want.
"With stiff competition for even entry-level office jobs, everyone has to go that little bit further to secure employment, and for students, qualifications such as ECDL are a great way of demonstrating their aptitude in the absence of work experience," he noted.
"Many people put 'computer skills' on their CVs, but having a qualification such as ECDL proves you have the core IT skills employers are always looking for."
Mr Lambert added that the institute has been providing qualifications to schools for over 20 years.
"During this time we have seen technology change with the introduction of social media through to internet-enabled smartphones and tablets," he stated.
"As the Chartered Institute for IT, we constantly review and improve our qualifications, ensuring they reflect the latest technologies."
Posted by Stephen Wilkinson
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