Current Activities / Training Provisions
SkillScan
SkillScan is a project jointly funded by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands & Islands Enterprise. Its purpose is to develop a means of simplifying the administration of Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications and Modern Apprenticeships.
The approach taken has been to develop a database application which is used to store details of qualifications (based on units) down to performance criteria (PC) and knowledge requirement (KR) level. The structure of the qualification is defined in terms of mandatory and optional units composed of elements (or outcomes).
For each candidate, evidence items are allocated against PCs and KRs building up a matrix of evidence. The facility exists to define 'standard' evidence items which are pre-allocated to PCs and KRs, allowing rapid building of the evidence matrix. SkillScan is not intended to remove the role of the assessor or verifier although where appropriate quality control systems exist. The concept of 'standard' evidence items can greatly reduce the workload particularly of the assessor.
The SkillScan data structures can accommodate virtually any unitised qualification including core/key skills, Higher Nationals and some degree courses. Although the application is primarily intended for larger organisations, it can be used by centres, assessors or individuals.
SkillScan is not currently intended as an electronic portfolio however it does provide an index and cross-reference to the candidate's portfolio.
Contact
: Chris Morrow on or e-mail
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UK online - ICT Learning Centres
The e-skills NTO has been selected by the DfEE to provide an assessment and evaluation service for the emerging provision of private sector learning centres. Under the brand name of UK online, Michael Wills Minister for Learning and Technology has invited public, private and voluntary sector organisations to establish themselves as UK online centres.
The e-skills NTO, being the private sector sponsor, provides a help desk to support centre applications. UK online brand criteria will be used to access applications and recommendations made for announcement of successful entrants in February 2001.
Partners in this project include, NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education), the Association of Colleges, the FEFC (Further Education Funding Council), UFI (University for Industry) and learndirect and BECTa (British Educational Communications & Technology Agency).
Further details can be found at
www.ukonline.gov.uk
.
Contacts
: Mel Skinner on or
or Terry Hook on or
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IT Trainer Certification
This project is in response to the recommendation by the National Skills Task Force report stating that: "Centres should be staffed by people with a certified level of competence to teach adults the basics of IT". The project's aims are to build upon existing structures; define a certification scheme for IT trainers which would comprise models for instruction and technical skills and provide an assessment process; take account of the wider aspects of the learning environment.
The project began in June 2000 and consultation on the draft IT Trainer's instructional and technical competencies has just taken place.
This work is being carried out in partnership with a steering group comprising of Employers, Training Providers, NILTA (National Information & Learning Technologies Association), UFI (University for Industry) and DfEE (Department for Education & Employment).
Contact
: Christine Donnelly on or
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Key Skills Resource Pack
The project's aim is to develop a co-ordinated resource package for training providers and employers to enable them to deliver key skill training to IT Modern Apprentices. The resource package will build on current Key Skills support material and develop a training assignment to help trainers and employers to integrate Key Skills training within a trainee's job role. The assignment will be based on a research project which is substantial enough to allow trainees to learn and practice their Key Skills, is pertinent to their job role with outcomes from the research providing relevant information required by their employer. Whilst carrying out the assignment the trainee will have time to become skilled and confident in applying the Key Skills.
Development work began September. Project partners include training providers and IT employers: Complane Training, Training for Tomorrow, Xerox, INTEL, ICL, EDS and Synstar International.
If you would like to take part in the pilot please contact e-skills NTO.
Contact
: Christine Donnelly on or
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Addressing the IT Services skill shortage
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 will also meet 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 are being run on a region by region basis to address specific regional needs and to adapt the response to regional circumstances. Partners include Compaq Computers Ltd., selected colleges, and industry and education representatives. Funding has been largely provided by Regional Developments Agencies.
As part of the projects, the selected colleges get equipped with the necessary hardware and software provided by Compaq Computers Ltd and college tutors receive 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 distance learning and to support course delivery.
The course is now available at participating colleges in the South East and North East and projects are underway in the South West, East Midlands, East of England and London. Please visit the
ITSST section
for further information.
Contact
: Terry Killer on or
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Developing Employer Learning Networks
This project is funded by a DfEE small business fund. The overall objective of this particular fund is to help SMEs group together to pur
chase and share training and therefore receive the same economies and benefits that a larger organisation would enjoy.
Our main partner is the Confederation of Group Training Associations. This confederation represents the interests of GTAs (not-for-profit training providers). The project seeks to develop these providers to deliver the IT Systems Support Technician and increase the numbers of Modern Apprentices in the IT services sector. This involves Training and Development of tutors in the GTA’s to deliver the qualification and to conduct a technical survey of SMEs. The technical survey involves an audit of the IT systems and the training needs of the organisation to support their hardware and software. The IT Systems Support Technician will be offered to these organisations in order that they will have an in-house IT paramedic.
The 10 chosen GTAs are currently providers of Engineering and non-technical IT training: National Training Resources ltd, Aylesbury Training Group, Camp Lane Development, Kirkdale Training, Leeds Training Trust, Mercia Training Ltd, North West Training Council, Pendle Training, Performance Through People, Southern Industries GTA, The Aspire Centre, Training 2000. Other partners: DfEE, 200 x SMEs.
Contact
: Maxine Mayer on or
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