2. EMPLOYER / EDUCATION LINKAGE

2.2Educational Curricula

Fixing the Future Projects

Thanks to a series of projects initiated by e-skills NTO and Compaq Computers Ltd, selected colleges in the UK have been able to work directly with industry to create a new "IT Systems Support Technician" course and CD-Rom package, and to update their IT facilities and the skills of their teaching staff.

The course is especially aimed at young people keen on developing their IT Services skills, but also meets the needs of adults looking for a change of career, and individuals working in an IT Services-related area (eg sales people or helpdesk professionals). It provides the technical knowledge and skills to understand, install, maintain and troubleshoot hardware and software, as well as the soft skills needed to interact efficiently with colleagues and customers.

The projects were run on a region by region basis to address specific regional needs and to adapt the response to regional circumstances. Partners included Compaq Computers Ltd., selected colleges, and industry and education representatives. Funding was largely provided by Regional Developments Agencies in the South East, North East, South West, East Midlands, East of England and London.

As part of the projects, the selected colleges were equipped with the necessary hardware and software provided by Compaq Computers Ltd and college tutors received training to ensure their knowledge of the sector and its skill requirements is up-to-date. Additionally, the ITSS (IT Systems Support) Technician CD-ROM has been developed to allow for for flexible course delivery.

Please visit the ITSST section at www.e-skillsnto.org.uk/itss for further information, including a list of colleges and training providers currently offering the qualification and an online demo of the ITSST CD-ROM.

The next level qualification, ITSS Professional, is currently under development.

Contact : Terry Killer on or

Close