Why train if it means nothing?
In 1999 I took the opportunity to re-qualify formally in IT technologies by taking and passing the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). I was awarded levels one and two.
I have just returned to the UK having lived, on and off, abroad for 17 years.
In 1999 I was in this country for a while and took the opportunity to re-qualify formally in IT technologies by taking and passing the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ). I was awarded levels one and two.
I have been using computers since IBM first released their PCs back in the mid 80s, getting my original experience on Sinclair Spectrums and the old BBC computers.
On my return to this country two weeks ago I found that this qualification has now become obsolete and I will need to take yet another exam, poorly named as the European Computer Driving Licence.
Having downloaded sample test papers from the appropriate site I find that this examination is in fact inferior to the qualifications already held. It seems that most of the industry now requires this ECDL and that my NVQs prove to be a complete waste of time, not to say money.
I wonder if the 10 O-levels, three A-levels and various other qualifications I hold are also redundant seeing as these exams have now been renamed as GCSE?
I am afraid, being a bit cynical, that I see this only as an effort to claw some more money into HMG's coffers. At between £120 and £150 I do not think that this is a cheap examination and for many people on low incomes it is effectively put out of their reach.
This, I must admit, strikes me as a case of "jobs for the boys". My local MP Lembit Opik is also raising this issue with the minister for education.
Quentin Richardson, Powys
