• What are the requirements on our IT infrastructure RE equipment (I.E Headsets) to support this training?

You will need access to a PC and broadband connection.  We will work with your technical services to ensure a secure learning  environment.

• Is basic skills Addressed? (IE – I have a small percentage of my workforce who we have to demonstrate what a mouse is & does) How would you advise these staff members approach this training?

As part of our matrix approach to advice and guidance, we work through any individual support requirements including Skills for Life screening.

• From a health perspective has this been discussed with NHS West Midlands as a way forward across region & link to JIF funding?

We have not discussed this so far, but we would be happy to take further.

• Most employers now recruit by means of on-line applications which prove problematic to large numbers of workless people, so how can we make ITQ fit in withany pre-employment training progressing. Post employment, through Train to Gain?

Many providers have a full progression opportunity from Entry to Employment to Train to Gain.

• Is it possible to do multiple bespoke software sections/modules

For the ITQ, only one unit can be taken using bespoke software, however you can use two applications for this.

• Is there a record kept of individual ITQ qualifications giving details of modules covered/ achieved?

As part of our Awarding Body and LSC Quality Assurance, individual learning plans are produced showing the qualification structure.  The learner is assigned a personal assessor who will monitor and review their progress.

• As an employer  how would they know what modules a prospective employee has achieved, because under the existing process, it is possible for an individual to hold a level 3 qualification but have gaps in level 1 & 2, Would they need to undertake a new qualification, if new modules are needed – or is there some kind of supplementary qualification?

We undertake a training needs analysis for each candidate for ITQ.  Here their IT needs are assessed.

• How will we cope with rescue with basic IT Skills issues (E.G how to switch it on)

The ITQ is available at NVQ level 1, 2 and 3.  Level 1 is a good grounding for basic IT skills

• How will we cope with the tight security issues of NHS systems

We can use a virtual desktop, so that security would not be compromised.  We would work with the appropriate technical services personnel to ensure the environment was secure.

• Do you provide IT support at a higher level than 1,2&3

As a provider we do not, but have partner providers who could.

• Can you/do you replicate this delivery module for other training requirements

We also have the same learning platform for Customer Service, Management, Business Administration and can also  offer a bespoke hosting facility.

• The time it would take & what level of competence would be achieved.

The average time for completions is 6 months, however, a personalised learning plan is created which varies for each learner.
Laura Braben

• What is the content of each course & what level of complexity

The ITQ is achieved on a points basis.  A typical level 2 has 4 units.  Each unit evidence requires 2 tasks in using the applications.

• How do you access the course

Through any Awarding Body approved centre

• How long does it take to complete each level? Time limits?

The average time for completions is 6 months, however, a personalised learning plan is created which varies for each learner.

• What is the awarding body for ITQ 2

We have accredidation with City and Guilds and OCR, there are other awarding bodies available.

• Is the individual training needs analysis confidential to the candidate or can the employer have access to it

Unless stated by the candidate, the employer is fully involved with the learner progress including the initial training needs analysis.

• Can you (as training providers) deliver in the volume that may come from a number of large public sector organisations?

In addition to full-time staff, we have access to a pool of part-time trainers, who are flexible in their work patterns.

• Funding can be used for those eligible, but what about those who already have a level two qualification? Especially important for organisations with a workforce that often have level 2

New train to gain opportunities in the West Midlands now can include a second level 2.

• How do you promise very basic IT training for people who have never used computers before? (IT based training resources a basic level of IT skills)

We have a number of partner providers who can offer basic IT skills.

• To gain the qualification do you have to demonstrate that you have implemented IT skills in the workplace?

The whole of the evidence for the ITQ is work-based.  As part of our journey, we also conduct learner review including final.

• Could access points be graded so that it looks like employees are being trained in-house?

We could discuss this further

• What materials are available to assist with marketing the concept/product?

We will develop case studies for the Public Sector ITQ site.

• How can we demonstrate ITQ’s advantages over existing approaches

ITQ is just in time, targeted learning and relevant to job role.

• If we use Train to gain/JIF funding to put staff through ITQ – this will mean they may not be able to go through) NVQ in care >>> will there be consideration to both? Also this is better for people who can already use IT system >>>>> these people probably have level 2 in one form or above >>>> how can these people access?

New West Midlands Train to Gain funding allows a second relevant level 2 NVQ.

• What about the skills gaps of people who cannot turn on a computer? Big gap around understanding computer basics >>>> if this was filled all people have transferable IT skills to any future IT system?

We have partner providers who will deliver the level 1 ITQ

• How can ITQ support a skills sector approach for staff currently not in roles requiring the use of IT to move into roles that do?

The structure of the ITQ enables a flexible approach to delivery where modules can be taken at level 1 ad level 2.  A training needs analysis identifies the skills at the start and produces a gap analysis.

• Can ITQ be developed to support staff with no IT experience entering the NHS

The ITQ can be taken at level 1, an idea starting point for someone with little or no IT experience.

• How can this ITQ model be sold successfully to nationally organised public services – many of which have nationally procured IT & L&D products – often delivered by outsourced suppliers?

As part of this project, public sector case studies will be posted on the website.