ICS secures funding to widen computer training net


9 Jan 2009

Marginalised members of society will have a better chance of acquiring computer skills, thanks to funding announced today by ICS Skills, the training and certification body of the Irish Computer Society (ICS).

It has secured €14,400 from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, under the BenefIT Scheme, to facilitate 70 individuals to complete its beginners’ computer training programme Equalskills.

Qualified candidates pay €20 for the course instead of €330. To qualify, individuals must meet one of the following criteria: unemployed, a woman in the home, an individual with a disability or retired over-55.

“Given the economic environment, it is important for Ireland to upskill as much as possible. These groups are commonly forgotten about, and this course will give the individuals who take part the basic skills needed to be independent and part of working society,” said Kelli Marjolet, marketing and communications officer, ICS Skills.

Designed for absolute beginners, Equalskills provides individuals with basic knowledge of computers, as well as skills in the use of the internet and email.

Equalskills is part of the ECDL suite of computer training programmes. To date, roughly 450,000 individuals have undertaken an ECDL programme in Ireland.

By Sorcha Corcoran