IBM signs up with SQA to deliver power systems training
IBM UK and Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) have signed an MoU for the delivery of Power and System z qualification courses to Scotland universities and colleges to start in the 2011 – 2012 academic year.
Working in conjunction with the SQA, IBM wil deliver the courses. Students will be able to develop types of IT skills that clients and IBM Business Partners need to run their businesses, and employers will have access to local skills. Paisley University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is the Lead Centre for the programme.
Gary Kildare, IBM VP & senior executive in Scotland point out “There is a greater demand for technical skills entering the job market. Our clients have told us that they need these skills to help run and build their organisations and students want IBM certification on their CV’s. Through the agreement access to IBM courseware, including software, teaching material, practical lab exercises, etc, are all available free of charge to all institutions through individual teacher membership.”
At SQA, John McDonald, director, Business Development said “It was a great pleasure for me to sign the MoU between SQA and IBM – bringing together two very strong Scottish focussed organisations that are committed to the excellent work of the Digital media and ICT Vendor Alliance (DIVA) programme."
Patrick Afchain, Business Development manager, School of Computing, UWS, said: “We are delighted to be Lead Centre for this initiative and welcome the opportunity to work with IBM & SQA to enhance the skills and qualifications of current and future IT professionals.”
The new courseware will build upon an initial course for IBM System i Operators that was offered in 2007 to 43 colleges in Scotland. In 2009, SQA performed a review of key learning and skills policy in Scotland with particular attention to industry courseware and certification. SQA and IBM Power Systems Academic Initiative programme began negotiations to introduce a Power and System z curriculum into the Scottish Qualifications Framework.
Read the full story at Compute Scotland