Tuesday, 01 December 2009 20:58 ITQ, a new vocational qualification for IT users, has recently been approved for Adult and Employer Responsive funding as a full Level 2 in its Qualification Credit Framework (QCF) format.

Leading online VQ provider Creating Careers has just launched its new ITQ qualifications for the FE sector. FE News catches up with Jonathon Ovenden, Creating Careers' business development director, about the impact this will have on the sector.

What is ITQ and how is it going to affect the way IT courses are delivered?

The new Qualification Credit Framework (QCF) version of ITQ enables learners to gain practical IT user skills. It’s not an NVQ, so it’s more flexible, more cost effective and more people are eligible for study. It’s not assessor led, it can be delivered by tutors as the NVQ code of practice doesn’t apply. It doesn’t have to be work-based, so unemployed people can study too.

What benefits do learners get?

Learners can ‘pick and mix’ from a range of units gaining accreditation for IT skills they already have, while learning new skills too. The new format is far more flexible for learners. They can study at their own pace from home, work or college and take advantage of interactive online study modes such as those offered by vision2learn. For example, Units available online are:

• Improving productivity using IT
• Word-processing software
• Spreadsheet software
• Database software
• Presentation software
• Using email

How will colleges benefit from the new ITQ?

It has just been approved for 16-18, Adult and Employer Responsive funding as a full level 2. Learners must achieve 16 credits to gain a full level 2 ITQ Certificate in IT User Skills Level 2. It is much more cost-effective and flexible for colleges to deliver in this format. This will enable colleges to attract unemployed and adult learners, which contributes towards national targets to improve achievement at Level 2.

How can ITQ help people in the current climate?

Most jobs require IT skills and this qualification helps people to feel more confident about their skills and demonstrates to employers that they have the skills to be effective in a modern work environment. Unemployed people can now study and improve their job prospects at the same time. Often a lack of IT skills is a real barrier to returning to work or moving on in a career. Getting qualified can act as a catalyst to employment and participation and improve personal and economic prosperity.