Free computer training courses for Northern Ireland residents

15:30 15th May 2009

Residents in Northern Ireland are to benefit from free computer training in Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), in a bid to improve skills sets.

Sir Reg Empey, the employment minister, said that good ICT skills are essential in the modern world and workers risk being left behind if they do not have the necessary knowledge and ability that is connecting the global community.

The minister added that Northern Ireland is keen to tackle its skills shortfall and be able to compete more effectively with other European countries such as Denmark and Sweden.

Sir Reg said: "[These courses] will further improve the skills profile of the Northern Ireland workforce in order to drive forward growth, productivity and long-term prosperity."

Abilities in ICT are now considered the next vital skill in the economy after numeracy and literacy, in the wake of a two-year pilot programme encompassing nearly 2,000 learners.

In related news, training provider Pitman Training has advised that touch typing speeds of around 70 words per minute should be a target for people pursuing secretarial work.