ETC and the dissemination of ECDL

The Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) has carried out 2,364 European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) tests on 574 people between September 2002 and October 2003. Non-registrants undertook 1,650 tests, while 714 tests were taken by ETC registered unemployed.

There were more ECDL tests taken by females than males, both among non-registrants and registrants. One hundred forty-four people completed the seven modules and received the full ECDL certificate.

ETC was early to recognise the needs of employees already in the labour force to constantly upgrade their skills in new information and communication technologies (ICT). This was brought about by structural changes and major technological innovations. Similarly, job seekers need to master IT skills, enabling them to increase their job prospects and future opportunities.

In February 2002 ETC invested in fully automated test software. It was one of the earliest organisations to offer the general public the possibility to sit for the ECDL, and acquire this unique form of IT qualification. ETC conducts tests on seven modules:

¤ Basic concepts of IT
¤ Using the computer and managing files
¤ Word processing
¤ Spreadsheets
¤ Database
¤ Presentation
¤ Information and communication

ECDL, an internationally recognised qualification, enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills.

Endorsed by many governments, learning institutions and leading corporations in Europe and around the world, ECDL has become the leading formal computer skills certification sought by students, workers employers and the public in general.

ECDL's success lies in its ability to deliver a flexible, modular programme to raise the workforce's level of computer knowledge and skills, provide an essential qualification that allows everyone to be part of the Information Society and facilitate increased mobility across the workforce and the wider community.

ETC also offers courses which lead to such testing, but before candidates start these courses ETC requires them to follow its one day free basic computer courses, which forms part of the "IT for you campaign". Thus these candidates start their courses, which lead them to ECDL tests, on a very sound footing. ETC prices for both ECDL courses and tests are lower than market average, since ETC forfeits the profits involved to promote its mission of further adult training.

By providing ECDL testing and training, ETC increases people's confidence in making use of new technologies, resulting in a greater employee motivation, increased productivity and a reduction in ICT support. It is also helping to develop a uniformity and standard level of competence in IT, contributing to a flexible workforce that can adapt as the labour market develops.

Mr Zammit is an ETC executive