ICT Qualifications in Wales
Log in to have your views heard about ICT qualifications
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Log in to have your views heard about ICT qualifications
Pupils, teachers, and those with an interest in Information and Communications Technology are being asked for their views on ICT qualifications in Wales.
Independent regulator Qualifications Wales is currently reviewing GCSEs, A levels and vocational qualifications in ICT, to see if they are meeting the needs of learners and the industry.
IT and digital technologies are one of the fastest growing areas of work in Wales and spans areas such as cyber security, systems development, data centres, software development and IT support, among many others.
Cassy Taylor, Associate Director, said: “We have focused our efforts on the ICT sector as it’s been identified as a priority sector for growth by the Welsh Government and the Regional Skills Partnerships. In future there’s a risk that that there will be more jobs available than people qualified to fill those vacancies.
“As part of the review we are speaking to employers and pupils studying qualifications to see how well the qualifications prepare learners for a career in ICT. We also want to know if the knowledge and skills they learn in school, in colleges and on apprenticeships reflects those needed in industry.
“We have already interviewed several employers, held focus groups with learners and spoken to teachers. Their opinions, from different viewpoints, are really helpful to us.” said Cassy.
”The survey will run until 17 November and allows people to comment on the current qualifications. We’ll review the information from survey along with other evidence from the wider review. We’re hoping to publish a report on our findings next summer.”
Alongside the online surveys, teachers in Wales have been invited to take part in a free workshop dedicated to discussing content and assessment techniques for future ICT qualifications. Two workshops, one held in Ty Menai, Bangor on 28 September and the other in Brynteg Comprehensive, Bridgend on 3 October, will operate on a first come, first served basis.
To take part in the survey, or to register for one of the teacher workshops, please visit the Qualifications Wales website.
For further information, please contact Alan Morris, Head of Communications, or Jenna Llewellyn, Communications Assistant, Qualifications Wales on 01633 373222 or comms@qualificationswales.org
Qualifications Wales is the regulator of non-degree qualifications and the qualifications system in Wales. It is a Welsh Government Sponsored Body, independent of government, and is accountable to the National Assembly for Wales. The organisation has two principal aims:
- To ensure that qualifications and the Welsh qualifications system are effective for meeting the reasonable needs of learners in Wales;
- To promote public confidence in qualifications and the Welsh qualifications system.
