Experts in working with ITQs gathered at Woking for a conference to hear how this popular flexible computer qualification is developing to meet future challenges in the south east. Lecturers and managers from colleges and training providers exchanged good ideas on supporting people through the learning process more effectively and promoting the programme in the region.

Dr Genny Dixon from the national sector skills council, e-skills UK, outlined new ways that colleges and providers can work alongside employers to improve skill levels among their staff and boost company productivity. She also expects more individuals, people in the voluntary sector and students taking all kinds of academic and vocational subjects to understand the importance of a thorough knowledge of computers and sign up for ITQs, as the qualification becomes more widely known.

Startling statistics from the Learning and Skills Council revealed many working adults still do not have the level of qualifications that 16 year olds are generally expected to achieve (five good GCSEs). Although the picture is improving in the region, seven million people need to improve their reading and writing. Delegates heard even around 30 per cent of graduates are estimated to have poor literacy skills.