First visually impaired trainers gain qualification
Two visually impared trainers have become the first trainers in the UK to complete the BCAB Trainer Certification Scheme (BCTS).
The IITT backed scheme aims to raise the standard of access technology training in the UK and currently over fifty trainers are participating.
The Institute of IT Training has been instrumental in helping provide the content to and running of the BCAB Trainer Certificate Scheme. Under the direction of the IITT's director professional services Tony Moss, the IITT's Trainer Assessment Programme (TAP) has been married with
other active verification of the trainer's Access Technology product knowledge to form the BTCS programme which formally recognises best of breed within the Visually Impared Access Technology training field.
This programme incorporates and reflects industry best practice and forms the basis of a register of trainers conforming to a defined code of practice available to any individual or organisation seeking high quality training in Access Technology.
"Our work with British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB) on this project perfectly meets our aims which are to continuously raise standards of professionalism within the IT training field and to establish benchmarks of excellence against which practitioners may be measured," explains Tony Moss.
Moss, who also sits on the BCAB board, continues: "Visually impaired people should not be excluded from these objectives and we are pleased to work with BCAB and RNIB to raise the standard of access technology training available to the visually impaired community."
Charles Clark, a 41-year-old visually impaired resource worker for the Grampian Society for the blind in Aberdeen, took part in the BCAB Trainer Certification Scheme to achieve the most comprehensive training available to visually impaired people in the country and to gain experience from a recognised computer association. "I have gained a great deal of confidence in being involved with BTCS and hope to pass the help and advice available to others.
"I would strongly advise any person going into the field of technology in the VI area to complete a BTCS course. The scheme has certainly got the perfect starting point for IT training for visually impaired people."
Barry Coates, a 31-year-old access technology trainer for the Royal National Institute of the Blind at Peterborough, added: "The three stages of the course have greatly enhanced my training ability and knowledge. It's transformed and widened my delivery skills. The scheme is essential if you're an Access Technology Trainer. It is always reassuring to have your skills and abilities recognised by experts in your field, that is as much of a vote of confidence as you can ask for.
"I feel extremely privileged to have been one of the first trainers to have completed the certification process."
Steve Plumpton, project manager of the scheme, says that many more trainers will complete the certification process over the coming weeks and predicts that there should be as many as thirty certified trainers by the summer of 2003.
The organisation is working with other bodies to widen the availability of access technology training in the UK and to improve the standard of training available.
An entry level certificate will be launched in the second quarter of 2003. This new project will be aimed at rehabilitation workers and local societies for the blind and compliments other projects being developed by the British Computer Association of the Blind.
More information on the BCAB Trainer Certification Scheme can be obtained from BCAB on 0121 665 4256. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.btcs.org.uk