Push for computer skills licence

The New Zealand Herald has an interesting article about IT in schools.

Secondary schools and employers keen to circumnavigate shortcomings in the secondary school computing curriculum can now turn to the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL). Modelled loosely on the concept of gaining a car driver's licence, ICDL students pass a test based on IT course content before certification is awarded.

Back in the day we used to use the ICDL as the basis of our curriculmn in INFO191. Goes to show how rapidly things change.

Pam Martin, managing director of ICDL test centre Extra Mile Training, says employers want meaningful IT qualifications.

"At present there is an assumption that all students leave school with sound computer skills. Unfortunately, this isn't the case and many employers have limited computer skills themselves so find it difficult to gauge how competent job applicants are," says Martin. "An ability to look confident and push buttons doesn't mean an applicant has the skills required in a work situation. Using a chat room isn't the same as writing a business letter or managing business email."

Sometimes our students don't know the difference between these activities as well.

Linda Brown, HR trainer for the Tauranga City Council says taking five of the seven ICDL modules is now mandatory for permanent staff members.

"We link it directly to performance reviews. It is imperative that our staff keep up to date in order to make the best use of our computer systems and that we are seen to obtain value for money in the use of our computer technology," says Brown.

She says noticeable benefits include improved communication, team support, skills sharing, problem solving, less reliance on the IT help desk, improved customer service delivery, an improved work culture and a feeling that the employer takes an interest in and generally cares about staff.

I thought this snippet was quite interesting as well.