ECDL - disparity in prices

wishface

patchwork_cat wrote: »

That would be fraud wishface.

But charging hundreds of pounds for some basic IT course the govt can't even provide for free - despite saying everyone should have an IT qualification - isn't?

We can prosecute people for lying about qualifications but we turn a blind eye to the massive amounts of potential revenue denied us by big business and the rich. Wonderful system.

suzannag

I am unemployed and doing the ECDL with Learn Direct. It is free if you do either numeracy or literacy first.
Ok, it's a bit of a pain but worth it in the end.

patchwork_cat

it is only free if you satisfy certain criteria - family income of less than 15K or no qualification above level 2. As my dh works and i have A levels, it is a no go.

hellokitty08

I have applied for several jobs advertised as essential criteria, NVQ level 2 in Business Administration or Equilavent or must possess a typing qualification at level 2.

How I get round this, and has never been a problem, is to look up the elements of this course and write how i use them in my every day work e.g " I work to the equivalent of NVQ level 2 in Business Administration becuase I have a proven ability in doing, x, y z, etc or I possess a level one typing qualification but I am currently working at a level two standard becuase I have ............(cant remember exact wording)"

Never once been an issue. And I am not lying becuase I am saying i dont have it, but believe that I work at the equivalent level.

marie_16

patchwork_cat wrote: »

Hi
I am hoping to return to work soon and have noticed that some want OCR level1 text processing. After being put through to about half a dozen different advice companies upshot is this course isn't available in my area and is probably too basic. Advised to do ECDL, again lots of different companies offer this both locally and with distance learning - prices vary from £115 + 7 x 11.50 to £527! Feeling overwhelmed by the level of options I also have tried to do a distance learning course before and a flexible drop in centre as well both of which I didn't take to very well. Can someone help me to clarify the different options and experiences of the drop in type centres, maybe if I approached it differently as I always felt like I was an imposition at the drop in centre.

My boyfriend is currently doing ECDL tests at his work. He's an admin assistant! So maybe if you look around at employers a little longer and start as a beginner admin assistant, while trying to broaden your IT skills, obviously you'll know it's mainly programs like excel etc. You might find some that would be willing to pay or at least pay half for the course etc if you tell them you are definately wanting to work in their business and are very willing to do within reason what it takes to get the job? My boyfriend takes one day a week at work where he sits at his desk (still gets paid) and does his coursework, and does the tests on other days (i think!). That might be an option if you can't seem to find any decent prices for the course!

Reggie_Rebel

I did the ECDL, admittedly a few years ago now.

If you have more than basic PC knowledge (and provided that it's not changed) then it's fairly easy to teach yourself and just find somewhere that will serve as your testing centre