IT Trainer Certification

The aim of the new DfES funded project is to establish a core of 50 IT Trainers, qualified in the newly established IT Trainer's Coaching Certificate.

The National Skills Task Force report recommendation 5.29 stated that:
'Centres should be staffed by people with a certified level of competence to teach adults the basics of IT, and DfEE should work with the NTO to develop an appropriate specification for this training.'

As a result of this statement a project took place during June 2000 and March 2001 in which the e-skills NTO developed a draft Trainer’s Certificate in accordance with DfES requirements. This provides:

1. a definition of competence;
2. an assessment process;
3. a certificate dealing with both instructional and technical skills.

The qualification, ‘IT Coaching Certificate’ evaluates three key criteria, relationships, resources and subject matter, which covers the key elements that need to be addressed by people who provide training in information technology.

Piloting the Certificate will allow trainers, many of whom train part-time, to gain recognition for their achievements and to demonstrate their effectiveness and competence in teaching adults. Over half of IT training does not lead to any formal qualification. There is a demand for IT Trainers who have recognised national competence in training individuals to a nationally recognised standard.

The project aims to achieve the following objectives by March 2002:

• Test the qualification against different types of learning environments
• Qualify 50 IT trainers with the new IT Trainer Certificate, to highlight the value of recognised quality training
• Produce a strategy for assessment and an accreditation structure for IT user skills training
• Modify the qualification and processes in the light of feedback from real-life implementation
• Produce support materials for trainers and training providers
• Promote the uptake of the qualification to IT trainers as a means of providing the public with proof of quality course delivery

If you are an IT trainer attached to an IT training provider delivering government funded IT 'end-user' training, you might want to be considered to take part in this pilot scheme and achieve the newly established IT Trainer's Coaching Certificate. Places are limited to 50, so apply now for a chance to be selected.

Contact: Christine Donnelly on or

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