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::SCS offers online IT course |
By Chua Hian Hou , Technology Correspondent
ROM next year, time-pressed Singaporeans will be able to pick up new IT skills online, as part of a revamped Government-supported national computer proficiency programme.
Computing skills have become increasingly important for work-seekers, and can only grow in importance over time, said Singapore Computer Society's (SCS) chairman for IT skills certification, Ms Tham Ai Chyn, at the launch of the revamped programme on Wednesday.
A survey by technology research firm IDC has shown that 85 per cent of workplace supervisors preferred employees with some sort of Microsoft Office software skills certification as they were 'more productive, credible and competent'.
To equip as many Singaporeans as possible with basic computing skills, SCS launched the original programme, called the National PC Driving Test, in 1998. Since then, it has trained 70,000 people, who were taught how to operate computers, navigate the Internet, and use commonplace office applications like Microsoft Word and Excel.
Recognising that Singaporeans busy with their work and personal lives may have difficulty setting aside time to go for training, the SCS decided to work with an IT training company, Certiport, to offer the courses via the Internet. The new National PC Proficiency Program, said Ms Tham, frees trainees to learn at their own pace, while face-to-face lessons will continue to be available at its 17 accredited training providers.
While the revamped syllabus will continue to focus on computer skills and Microsoft productivity software, the revamp will also introduce new subjects targeted at more tech-savvy workers, like setting up computer servers. The SCS, which is hoping to get 50,000 people to go for training within the next three years. |
| The Straits Times |
| 2009-11-18 |
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