CLAiT or ECDL course?

lakes17

I had 30+ years admin/HR experience before being made redundant 15mths ago. Since then I have had no paid employment but have done voluntary work. I understand that temping agencies tend to refuse to register anyone who've been out of work for more than a few months. I believe the rationale behind this is because computing/IT is a fast paced environment which is continually changing. Therefore the IT/computer skills that I've used at my previous employer quickly become outdated.

To rectify this I have been given the opportunity to take 1 of the above courses but am unsure which would be the best one to fit my circumstances. My question is which 1 of these would be the most attractive to a potential employer/temp agency? Which would show them that I have" top-notch" up-to-date IT skills? Which qualification do employers prefer?

From reading the blurb on both of them it looks as if you receive a certificate if taking CLAiT (either level1,2 or 3), which I think I would be at level2) However it doesn't look as if the ECDL course issue a certificate of achievement? Would that make a difference to a prospective employer/agency?

Many thanks in advance for any advice that can be offered.

AP007

lakes17 wrote: »

I had 30+ years admin/HR experience before being made redundant 15mths ago. Since then I have had no paid employment but have done voluntary work. I understand that temping agencies tend to refuse to register anyone who've been out of work for more than a few months. I believe the rationale behind this is because computing/IT is a fast paced environment which is continually changing. Therefore the IT/computer skills that I've used at my previous employer will now be outdated.

The actual rationale behnd it is they say their clients will not interview the uneployed.

2 months or more and they do not want to know anymore even if you are registered with them.

samsmoot

"New ECDL enables you to develop and certify your computer skills..", apparently. I didn't complete my ECDL but I would have been disappointed if I had done and it didn't get noted.


I jumped in at the advanced level and found it just about doable with few existing computing skills. Would seem the best option for you, but others may know better. The course is flexible so you choose when to do each module in whatever order.

DomRavioli

Clait is a little bit outdated for the workplace now - ECDL and ITQ are the newer qualifications.

Some agencies will take you for temping if you're out of a job.

saintjammyswine

Just to say if you contact your local FE College you should be able to get this fully funded too.

noelphobic

lakes17 wrote: »

From reading the blurb on both of them it looks as if you receive a certificate if taking CLAiT (either level1,2 or 3), which I think I would be at level2) However it doesn't look as if the ECDL course issue a certificate of achievement? Would that make a difference to a prospective employer/agency?

Many thanks in advance for any advice that can be offered.

I've done both and I definitely got a certificate for the ECDL. You also got a card the size of a credit card which showed you'd studied it. It was a while ago so things may have changed but most courses offer a certificate even if it isn't a nationally recognised certificate (and this is, and technically a Europe wide recognised certificate.)

I took it soon after it was introduced and it was only offered at one level. The advanced level was introduced quite a while later and I get the impression that the first level was dumbed down somewhat. I would like to do the advanced version myself but haven't found anywhere locally offering it currently and don't want to do it online.

I would definitely recommend ECDL over CLAIT and if you have reasonable skills I would go for the advanced rather than basic version.

Alikay

I've done both CLAIT (15+ years ago) and ECDL about 6 years ago. I got a certificate for CLAIT and a little passport-type book for ECDL. EDCL has different modules, some core, some optional IIRC, so you can choose which ones may be more useful to you. You may want to learn some presentation skills, or concentrate more on spreadsheets, databases or project planning etc.

http://www.ecdl.org/programmes/index.jsp?p=108&n=2928

lakes17

Thanks for the advice guys, it's been most helpful. Sorry but I've a few more questions to ask.


Saintjammyswine - As the college course doesn't start until September, does free funding also apply to on-line courses? Also last summer I was looking into ITQ with Learndirect, is there a possibility that funding could be available for that?

Noelphobic -As there isn't a course starting until September I was thinking of doing an on-line course. Aren't these very suitable or not recognised by an employer? I think I would find the basic to easy and am probably at level2 rather than advanced as I didn't cover the whole range whilst working and it was mainly self-taught with "trial and error" to work out some applications!!

AilKay - I have heard of ITQ is this equivalent to level2 and on the same lines as ECDL?


Thank you again for your help.

saintjammyswine

Most college IT courses are roll-on/off (start nearly anytime) rather than traditional september starts although they will usually have distance learning versions of the classroom taught courses. The funding is normally irrespective of how it is taught. I would advise you speak to the college about what is available and whether it is funded as all colleges are different and central funding is very tight.

noelphobic

lakes17 wrote: »

Noelphobic -As there isn't a course starting until September I was thinking of doing an on-line course. Aren't these very suitable or not recognised by an employer? I think I would find the basic to easy and am probably at level2 rather than advanced as I didn't cover the whole range whilst working and it was mainly self-taught with "trial and error" to work out some applications!!

I'm sure an online course would be fine and an employer wouldn't mind which way it was done. The reason why I don't want to do it that way is just down to personal preference. I've just finished 7 years of studying with the Open University and would quite like the social side of attending a college or similar. I don't have MS Office either and would like someone on hand if I do get stuck, especially as I'm rather rusty!