Young People To Do ECDL Training After ‘Depressing’ Study
Training experts CCW Training Academy is urging young people to undertake ICT training after a study found that one in 10 unemployed young people cannot send their CV online, while a quarter “dread” filling in online job applications.
The study of 1,400 15 to 25-year-olds by the Prince’s Trust also found that one in six of those who are unemployed think they would be in work if they had better computer skills.
Mike Tan, Director of CCW, said that their unique approach to this problem combined top-class ICT training through ECDL with free job-searching support.
“These figures are quite depressing, but show up an important problem as to why so many of our young people are unemployed.
“The research also found that 20 per cent of unemployed young people felt their computer skills were not good enough to use in the job they want, while one in six do not apply for jobs which require basic computer skills.
“A lack of computer literacy is holding young people back and this is damaging their job prospects. Without basic computer skills, young people will not be able to pursue career paths and passions because they can’t get a foot in the door.
“CCW is part of a global network of accredited test centres located in 148 countries, and certification tests must be taken at one of these centres.
“In addition, we have just launched our pioneering ‘Job Blog’ – jobsblogs.wordpress.com – which helps people with issues such as writing better CVs and applications, landing your dream job, and how to perform in an interview,” he said.
The Prince’s Trust research, based on interviews with 1,378 15 to 25 year-olds in the UK, reveals how more than one in 10 young people (12%) do not think their computer skills are good enough to use in the job they want, while almost one in five unemployed young people (18%) claim to feel this way.
CCW is a well-established Wales-based training provider which offers programmes in Microsoft Office, ECDL, Adobe-based packages and specialist web training.
Programme Manager Daniel Tan said: “Computers and computer use is essential for today’s job market. With the advancement of computer technology progressing faster than they have ever done before, it is no surprise that people ‘fall behind’ with technology, software and applications of the internet.
“Our courses have been developed to teach people of all levels of computer proficiency and build on the skills required to attain employment.
“For example, ECDL is an internationally recognised qualification which allows people to develop skills in using computers and demonstrate their competence. It comprises of various modules, each requiring separate testing.
“Successful candidates receive either individual certificates or full ECDL qualifications. It has been designed to allow users to develop their skills and to enhance their career prospects with a well recognised, benchmarked IT qualification.
“What’s more, ReAct funding can be used to cover the cost of this course.
“In addition, we run the Flexiqual which is a new kind of qualification from the British Computer society. This allows individuals to pick and choose the modules of use to them and skip the ones that are not. It allows for more personalised learning that retains the learner’s objectives and the individual goals,” he said.
