Training for IT Trainers
Until the Autumn of 2008, there seemed to be one main recognised route to a qualification for IT Trainers: The Training Foundation providing a range of training, using it's TAP methodology, which was accredited by the IITT. Since these 2 organisations have parted company, this page aims to show the separate paths to training qualifications which each offers for IT Trainers, cross-referenced to how they map to the Scottish context:
Institute of IT Trainers
Approved training for IT Trainers has recently moved on, this article gives the low down on the direction of travel: First authorised centres sign up for IITT's Trainer Performance Monitoring & Assessment service.
Read about the IITT's new TPMA scheme.
As of February 2009 the organisations below provide TPMAassessment:
- Happy Computers - now have 4 routes through the TPMA training, ranging from a 1/2 day Trainer assessment for TPMA at a cost of £300, through to a 3 day option at a cost of £840.
- Matrix 42
- Quasar
- Train & Certify - Now have 4 staff members qualified as TPMA Assessors
- Training Synergy
Other companies are in the process of being accredited. You can read the latest update on the progress of implementing the new TPMA Service here.
Information about the new training qualification for trainers: PTLLS can be found on both the ORC web site & the City & Guilds site.
The Training Foundation
The Training Foundation have also developed a new component of their TAP Learning System: Trainer of Choice, which focuses on what makes an excellent trainer. They also have other interesting options: including the Certificate in Blended Learning & various eLearning certificates leading to a Diploma in eLearning. Since the apparently rather acrimonious split with the IITT, the Training Foundation are now aligned with the British Institute of Learning & Development.
The Training Foundation now have the TAP Diploma in NHS Learning & Development, which is aligned with the Connecting for Health ETD Standards This includes the following modules:
- Certificate in Training Delivery (3/5 days)
- Training Needs Analysis (2 days)
- Certificate in Blended Learning (2 days / 5 weeks online)
- Certificate in Training Design & Development (3 days)
- Certificate in the Theoretical Basis of Learning (online)
The Scottish Context
When you sit in Scotland, it isn't clear what, if any of this applies or is available here... e.g. 'Connecting for Health' relates to the NHS in England & Wales, rather than Scotland. And how do City & Guilds qualifications, such as City & Guilds 7303, PTLLS, map to SQA requirements? I have contacted the SQA to try & clarify and they advised that they are developing a version of PTLLS, was due to be released in Summer 2009, but has now delayed until the Autumn (i.e. about now!).
A good starting point is the overview of Scottish qualifications provided by the SCQF. You can also compare qualifications frameworks between countries.
So what is available locally now?
- Telford College run the City & Guilds 7307: Certificate for Teaching Adult Learners, as an evening course. However, is a 'legacy qualification', which has since been superceded by the PTLLS (Level 3/4) / CTLLS (Level 3/4) / DTLLS (Level 5) framework in Sept 2007. The Telford course only equates to the level 3 part of PTLLS. there are 2 start dates for this course: Aug/Sept & Feb, the cost is £825, but it does qualify for the £200 ILA. (You can see a comparison of the old & C&G new qualifications here).
- Stevenson College run a Certificate in Training Practice as an evening course on a Wednesday at a cost of £650. But there is only one start date a year which has now passed for this year: 9th Sept 2009. Although there is an afternoon course which is starting on 9th December 2009 (Wed 2-5pm)
- Stevenson College run SVQs in Learning & Development at Levels 3 & 4. You can find out more details about the content of these courses at the SQA web site: Learning & Development SVQs
- As part of considering how they can provide an equivalent qualification to PTLLS, the SQA have just developed a module: Planning & Delivering Learning Sessions to Groups although, as it's so new, it's not clear where this can be studied. This unit is described by the SQA as 'a bite sized introduction to training & is placed at level 6 on the SCQF Framework'. In addition, the SQA are working on another Award that will be larger in size -possibly two or three credits- that meets the needs of PTLLS and allows SQA to have a comparible Qualification to that which is offered by Awarding Bodies in the rest of the UK. This Award is being consulted upon at present by the External Verification Team in Learning & Development, & it's hoped that the Award will be validated before Christmas.
- NES have a Virtual Learning Centre which has a variety of offerings, which I've not yet had time to explore, but it includes learning materials to support KSF. More info to follow soon, or why not check it out yourself!
- Edinburgh University run an MSc in eLearning which looks really interesting, but comes at a price.
- Stirling University have an Teacher Qualification (Further Education) which might not quite fit the bill for us in a work sense, but is of interest to some.
Other Training Opportunities
If your income is under £22,000 you qualify for an ILA of either £200 / £500 a year, which can be used towards the cost of some courses. It's also possible to apply for a Professional & Career Development Loan to fund some learning.
- Open University run a Certificate in Web Applications Development
- International Webmasters Association run a range of individual courses, which can lead to certification
- The New Curiousity Shop Making the most of Moodle 1 & 2
- Wimba run Online Workshops which you can register for & are free!
