Tunis 16th November 2005 – In a key step to mark the beginning of a new era in the field of education, ICT and skills development in the Developing Countries, the International Commission on Workforce Development (ICWFD), a non-profit civil society organization committed to workforce and human resource development, together with the United Nations Information and Communications Technologies Task Force announced the launch of the e-skills360, a unique initiative that will provide access to certification level basic computer literacy, IT and professional development courses through elearning.
This distinctive initiative addresses all the barriers to elearning like low bandwidth, high cost, piracy and lack of awareness.
To address workforce development and easy access to 21st century employability skills, the International Commission on Workforce Development has developed a tiered framework for ICT training and work force development under the umbrella of the e-skills360 initiative which addresses all the barriers of e-learning in the developing countries.
Tier- 1- e-skills450 ( Basic Literacy)
The first certification level is called e-skills450 which is the first tier of the “Computer Literacy Achievement Program” (CLAP). This is an entry-level course in end-user computer skills for beginners. It is specifically designed for those with no experience whatsoever of computers. The programme is intended for those fearful of or left behind by technology and is an interactive and simple introduction to computers and the Internet for the complete novice.
[This program is available in different languages and can be distributed on CD’s. No internet connection is required]
Tier- 2- e-skills90 0 (Computer Competency)
The second certification level or e-skills900 aims to enhance workforce competitiveness in computer skills such as office applications and PC skills. The skills also increase individual personal productivity by enhancing one's competitiveness and employability.
[This program is currently available in English and is being translated into various languages. It can be distributed on CD’s. No internet connection is required]
Tier- 3- e-skills180 0 (Computer E-Business Savviness)
The objective of Tier-3 E-Business Savviness Programme is to train a pool of skilled manpower with complete office skills to support the e-business industry. The programme aims to equip non-computer Professionals with PC skills to enhance company's competitiveness and the trainees will undergo training of intermediate and advanced levels of MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Access (databases).
[This program is currently available in English and is being translated into various languages. It can be distributed on CD’s. No internet connection is required]
Tier- 4 e-skills360 0 (Specialization)
A pool of highly skilled manpower is important to support the growth of the IT industry. Thus, ICWFD puts in place the e-skills3600 Specialization to build new capabilities in critical, emerging and specialized Information technologies to meet the dynamic challenges in the IT evolution.
e-skills3600 Specialization is a training incentive programme to equip professionals with critical, emerging and specialized skills and gain recognition for their competency. The programme aims to assist the professionals in increasing their organization’s competitive advantage and enhance their individuals' employability. The programme supports training courses and certifications which impart knowledge and skills appropriate for the 21st. century. Over 400 IT and Professional Development courses are available for this program.
[This program is available in English only and cannot be distributed on CD’s. A brief connection to download the course from the internet is required.]
Skills acquisition and investment in education for the under developed nations have moved to center stage in strategies to promote economic prosperity, employment opportunities and social cohesion.
The e-skills3600 is an outstanding example of addressing all of the barriers to quality education for the underprivileged masses.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors,
The International Commission on Workforce Development
Dr. Asad U. Shah
Chairman & CEO |
