ITQ - Tailor made by employers for employers
It has been proven that a proficiency in IT is as important as numeracy and literacy for a very large proportion of jobs in the UK.
ITQ is the new flexible IT user qualification and training package that can be tailored to ensure that you are trained in just the IT skills you need.
It’s benchmarked to the e-skills National Occupational Standards for IT Users so you know what you’re getting, and it will certify performance at work. ITQ is primarily aimed at IT Users.
Why Choose ITQ?
Employers were asked what they wanted from an IT user qualification. The result has the full backing of a number of awarding bodies but, more importantly the enthusiastic backing of employers who helped to get it exactly right.
So why is everyone so enthusiastic about ITQ?
Unique Qualities
It’s truly flexible – To cope with the fact that different employers need their staff to have skills at different levels (according to the type of business and the role of the individual) the ITQ allows different units to be taken at different levels. So if you need to have high level word processing skills, medium level spreadsheet skills, but only a basic knowledge of preparing presentations the ITQ can flex to deliver that need.
Bespoke Units can be included – Many employers said that they need their staff to be trained on software that is unique to them so the ITQ allows for bespoke units to be included to meet this business need.
Cross recognition by Awarding Bodies – If you already have an IT user qualification, you can use it to count towards the ITQ. This allows you to build and develop your skills to meet job needs without having to face the de-motivating prospect of starting again or having to demonstrate skills you’ve already demonstrated.
A Less Bureaucratic Assessment Strategy – Many employers said they were put off NVQ because they found the assessment bureaucratic and burdensome. ITQ have therefore worked hard with the Awarding Bodies and QCA to reduce the bureaucratic burden and to allow for as much assessment as possible to occur “naturally” using the systems already in place in a company (such as the annual staff reporting procedure).
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships provide work related training opportunities for young people whether employed or non-employed.
They offer you the chance to gain a National Vocational Qualification up to level 2 (more), plus the skills and knowledge for your chosen industry.
The learning is to a structured programme laid down by the industry.
They help you to gain additional skills (known as key skills) in communication, application of number, information technology, working with others, improving your own learning and problem solving.
Advanced Apprenticeship
Advanced Apprenticeships offer a structured learning programme for employed young people. The programme is laid down by the industry at national level to National Vocational Qualification level 3 (more) including the technical skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.
They help you to gain additional skills (known as key skills) in communication, application of number, information technology, working with others and improving your own learning.
They also offer you the chance to gain a higher-level qualification necessary for management or technician jobs.
IT User NVQ
Subjects Covered include:
- IT security for users
- Artwork and imaging software
- Internet and intranets
- E-mail
- Word processing software
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Website software
- Presentation software
Candidate Recruitment Requirements
Most entrants to Apprenticeships will be 16 or 17 years old and will have completed compulsory education.
Previous experience and qualifications are not required.
Entrants to Advanced Apprenticeships will be employed and have relevant experience in administration skills.
Key Skills
Key Skills are skills that are commonly needed for success in a range of activities in education, training, work and life in general.
Employers have taken a lead in promoting the importance of the key skills for employability.
The primary key skills units required for this apprenticeship are:
Communication
Application of Number
These are portfolio based and also require an external assessment test.
