IT User Skills (ITQ)

Agored Cymru is a Welsh awarding body specialising in meeting the distinct needs of learners, employers and communities.

We exist to create flexible learning opportunities and reward achievement to help people of every age and level achieve their full potential.

All our units and qualifications are flexible enough to meet the needs of learners in any setting – from schools to FE and from offender learning to training in the workplace.

With over 20 years experience in designing inclusive learning, our team of specialists provides support in developing an accessible and quality assured curriculum.

We are a charity and social enterprise: we work collaboratively with partners to maximise the impact of learning in meeting the diverse needs of communities and employers in Wales.

Because we work exclusively in Wales, we are ideally placed to respond to the demands of our learners and centres. Our qualifications are uniquely tailored to the needs and priorities of individuals, communities, employers and the aims of a modern Wales.

We work for the benefit of Wales: our dedicated team of specialists is committed to promoting the Welsh language by encouraging assessment through the medium of Welsh.

We offer our recognised centres the opportunity to deliver effective lifelong learning, widen opportunity and enable progression within current education and training frameworks.

At all times, we are committed to providing a high quality, responsive service to all our centres and learners.

Agored Cymru Qualifications:

• are available through the medium of Welsh, including certification;
• enable accreditation of component units to recognise continuing professional development (CPD), where full qualifications are not required;
• meet the needs of learners in Wales by developing qualifications that respond directly to the Welsh agenda;
• provide a range of flexible and responsive provision, designed to help learners achieve their potential;
• are designed to suit the needs and priorities of individuals, communities, employers and the national aims of a modern Wales.

The IT user qualification ITQ is a nationally recognised qualification for those who need digital skills as users of technology. It is designed for people using technology at work, in education, when looking for work or in their leisure time.

ITQ can help employers improve productivity, effectiveness and their company’s ability to take advantage of the digital economy. Using the ITQ, you can assess the skills of your existing or potential employees, and you can train to skills levels that are recognised within a national framework.

These two Diploma qualifications sit within the SASW:

IT Users - non-statutory (Wales) Framework ID: FR03974 http://www.afo.sscalliance.org/frameworkslibrary/index.cfm?id=FR03974&back

The qualifications and thus the apprenticeship framework provide the learner / apprentice with the competence, skills and knowledge to work effectively and efficiently with IT systems, communications and productivity tools and applications in a range of job roles and industry sectors.

The IT User may be working in a wide range of industries, including typical job roles as:

• Personal assistant
• Office support
• Accounts Assistant / wages clerk
• Application helpdesk support
• Website design or technician
• Publishing or multimedia assistant
• Sales and Marketing executive
• Teaching assistant or school administrator.

For many of these jobs, the level of competence is not necessarily neither wide nor deep and for these situations a level 2 qualification is deemed to be appropriate.

The addition of underpinning knowledge, personal learning and thinking skills and functional skills, if completed within the context of the apprenticeship framework ensures the learner / apprentice can not only use IT but is also literate, numerate and able to solve problems and work in teams as required.

The level 3 learner / apprentice will be prepared for job roles requiring in-depth knowledge and competence in the use of particular systems and software, as well as wide-ranging transferable skills and the ability to develop and test solutions to improve workplace productivity through the use of IT.

The qualification includes a balance of content in technical, business and interpersonal areas, designed to ensure apprentices have an appropriate set of IT skills to operate in their specific chosen job role.

The technical content includes units for setting up and using IT systems; system and personal security; using internet, email and collaborative software; confi guring and using operating systems and mobile devices; using office applications, using multimedia, video, audio and website software and using accounting and project management software. All learners / apprentices build the competences to plan, select and use appropriate IT tools and applications for the task and develop approaches to improve personal effectiveness and business productivity using IT.

A learner / apprentice can plan and review their use of predefined or commonly used IT tools for complex and non-routine activities. As a result of reviewing their work, they will be able to devise solutions in the use of IT tools in order to improve productivity for themselves and others. Through practical application they will develop transferable skills and techniques for self-help and in turn be prepared to offer support and advice to others.

The ITQ qualifications recognise employers’ needs for ICT qualifications that refl ect real-world skills, and the challenges of work-place learning. They enable recognition of the skills that employers want across the range of levels, have been successfully piloted in a wide range of companies and organisations, and are now a part of mainstream provision. They enable learning providers to target teaching and equipment resource effectively and use fl exible approaches to assessment and delivery that ensure all learning counts towards a qualifi cation, wherever it takes place.

The qualifications are particularly suitable for:

Employees and work-based learners

ITQ is ideal for those in employment. They may be using IT as a significant part of their role or be developing new skills to meet the demands of a changing workplace. It is not limited to those working at a desk or with a PC, since tailored programmes can be designed for those working with other ICT systems such as retail, engineering or manufacturing.

Unemployed, and those seeking work

Nine out of 10 new jobs require people with IT user skills. Operating a computer and being able to use the internet and a word processor are essential skills for work as well as for life. ITQ can be used to develop a tailored work preparation package, alongside other units to properly prepare the jobseeker for a positive return to work.

Full-time students and under 16s

All the learning and assessment for the units can be undertaken in school or college. Assessment of the units can be linked to work experience or work placement, giving the young person the opportunity to use evidence arising naturally from workplace tasks and activities. ITQ can run alongside other qualifi cations, recognising IT skills development in other vocational areas and providing additional evidence of skills in high demand from employers.

Please note that those Agored Cymru ITQ qualifications that are available to learners aged <16 years do not cover the full programme of study for ICT at Key Stage 4

This qualification meets requirements and is ‘Designated’ by Qualifications Wales.

QW is about to conduct a review into qualifications provision within the ICT sector. As this qualification falls within that sector and therefore the scope of the review, there is currently an imposed review date of 31 August 2020 and certification end dates of 31 August 2022.

Agored Cymru Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills (ITQ)

TQT 380

GLH 280

Agored Cymru Level 3 Diploma in IT User Skills (ITQ)

TQT 390

GLH 290

There are no specific requirements for entry.

This qualification is available in English and Welsh. If this qualification is required in other languages, please contact a Centre Manager at Agored Cymru.

If you are an Agored Cymru recognised centre and would like more information about offering these Agored Cymru qualifications, please contact your Centre Manager.

Units from the qualification must be added to your framework – this can be done by logging onto the Agored Cymru website. For guidance on how to add units / qualifications to your framework, please click here.

If you are interested in offering this Agored Cymru qualification but are not currently an Agored Cymru recognised centre, please contact a Centre Manager for guidance on how to become a recognised centre with us.

This qualification is only available through Agored Cymru recognised centres. If you would like to find out more about either becoming a recognised centre or working in partnership with a recognised centre, please access the ‘Centre’ area of the website or contact a Centre Manager for more information.

It is the responsibility of the centre to have systems in place to ensure that the person registered on a qualification or unit and taking an assessment is indeed the person they are claiming to be. All centres are therefore required to ensure that each learner’s identification is checked before they undertake the qualification, unit and assessment. Agored Cymru recommends the following as proof of a learner’s identity:

• a valid passport (any nationality)
• a signed UK photocard driving licence
• a valid warrant card issued by HM forces or the police
• another photographic ID card, e.g. employee ID card, student ID card, travel card etc.

If a learner is unable to produce any of the forms of photographic identification listed above, a centre may accept another form of identification containing a signature, for example, a credit card. Identification by a third-party representative, such as a line manager, human resources manager or invigilator, could also be accepted.

For level 2 learners completing the L2 User IT qualification:

• Level 3 for IT Users
• Alternative Level 3 qualifications appropriate to the industry sector in which they are based.

For level 3 learners completing the L3 User IT qualification:

• Further vocational study in their chosen sector
• Further or Higher Education to take an HNC, HND or degree level programmes.

The suite of Agored Cymru ITQ qualifications enable progression to employment, further learning opportunities within employment, or further study. Learners can gain units from a range of environments such as school, workplace or college that are gained in a practical context and contribute to the achievement of a full ITQ qualification using the appropriate Rules of Combination. The use of units from different levels through a ‘spiky profile’ will allow an individual to build on their learning in preparation for moving on to the next level of ITQ.

The close relationship between ITQ units and NOS for IT Users will allow employers to see how IT learning can meet the needs of their business.

Agored Cymru is committed to the embedding of ESDGC within learning in Wales. ESDGC recognises that everyone’s actions are interlinked: the decisions and lifestyles of learners impact on the lives of other people throughout the world.

By integrating ESDGC within the curriculum, Learning and Development practitioners can present impartial and practical views that allow learners to make informed choices. ESDGC is not an ‘additional subject’: it should be integrated into all areas of the curriculum wherever possible.

There are seven interconnected key themes that have been identified within ESDGC: further information can be found on the Welsh Government website.

Each unit includes suggestions for embedding the different ESDGC themes. Please note that this is for guidance only and is not intended to restrict the ways in which ESDGC can be incorporated.

The ITQ is based on the 2009 National Occupational Standards (NOS) for IT users.

With many IT users being self-taught, there is also a lack of awareness of the level of skills held by the individual. The IT User NOS are now recognised as the basis of all qualifications for IT Users in the UK, and have allowed users and employers to benchmark their current skills and address skills gaps.

Current funding information is available on Qualifications in Wales (QiW).

For further information regarding discounted charges and incentives please contact a Centre Manager.

RPL is an assessment method leading to the award of credit. Assessors must consider if RPL can be applied for any learners. RPL is a method of assessment that considers whether learners can demonstrate that they can meet the assessment requirements for a unit / part of a unit and / or qualification through knowledge, understanding or skills that they already possess and so do not need to develop through a course of learning.

Please click here to view the Recognition of Prior Learning policy for further guidance.

Centres must register all learners promptly, within a timely manner, appropriate to the duration of the course start date. For guidance on registering learners, please click here.

Delivery

Centres must ensure that qualifications are delivered effectively and efficiently. Well considered and detailed course planning is a critical feature of effective delivery. Centres must have, and be able to demonstrate, a robust documented internal process for coherent course design, development and delivery.

A key feature of many of our qualifications is the flexibility they offer centres to contextualise them to meet the specific needs of their learners. This flexibility promotes strong learner engagement and meaningful learning experiences.

Centres should ensure that detailed schemes of work and session plans are in place which consider all aspects of the qualification specification. These should include details of strategies and resources required for teaching and assessment that meet learners’ needs.

Teaching and learning approaches must be consistent with the context, level and stipulations of the qualification and be designed to engage, stimulate and motivate learners.

Assessment

Centre devised assessments must meet the qualification specification. Assessments must enable the assessor to differentiate accurately and consistently between the levels of attainment demonstrated by learners. Assessment must only include content that is drawn from the knowledge, skills and understanding in the specification and that the level of demand must be consistent.

Assessment must:

• make it possible for learners to demonstrate the extent to which they have the knowledge, skills and understanding required by the qualification
• allow the specified level of attainment to be reached by a learner who has attained the required level of knowledge, skills and understanding
• be fit for purpose, valid and appropriate to the knowledge, skills and understanding being measured
• effectively differentiate between learners (on the basis of the knowledge, skills and understanding being assessed)
• accurately measure the knowledge, skills and understanding that it is intended to measure

Centres are required to ensure that centre devised assessments are kept under review, amending them where necessary, to ensure they remain fit for purpose, for example by reflecting new requirements, good practice or legislation.

Some qualifications and their units will prescribe the assessment methods that must be used. These prescribed methods will be highlighted within individual units.

Where the methods are not prescribed, centres should use a variety of assessment methods to assess learners as this will allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and/or skills competency. The most important factor is that the assessment methods are appropriate for the intended outcome.

Centres must adhere to Agored Cymru’s assessment requirements when delivering qualifications, a unit or units.

For guidance on assessment, please refer to the Agored Cymru Guide to Assessment.

Assessors must:

• have current and/or relevant experience in assessing;
• have undertaken relevant training if new to assessing (Agored Cymru Introduction to Assessment courses);
• have good knowledge and understanding of Agored Cymru assessment requirements;
• be familiar with the level of the qualification and its unit(s);
• have good subject knowledge and understanding and/or experience of the unit(s)/qualification(s) being assessed.

Assessors do not currently need to have a formal assessment qualification* to assess Agored Cymru units and / or qualifications, unless stated in the qualification guide or unit specification. However, Agored Cymru strongly recommends that assessors work towards formal accreditation (e.g. Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement). In addition, Agored Cymru strongly recommends that assessors attend Agored Cymru’s Introduction to Assessment training.

Specific Assessor Requirements

Wherever possible, the competences should be assessed holistically in the workplace, ensuring that any knowledge elements in the units are learned in the work and organisational context.

The knowledge units should be used to ensure the learner / apprentice has gained an appreciation of the wider impact of IT in business and society and understands the underpinning theory and principles required for their role.

Centres must implement and maintain an effective internal quality assurance system. Internal verification is an essential part of a quality assurance system, particularly when there is no external summative (end of course) assessment such as an exam or online test.

Agored Cymru do not impose a particular internal verification process on centres, however, centres are required to implement effective internal verification checks to confirm that the assessment process (i.e. from pre-course planning to the award of credit) is fit for purpose and is implemented accurately, fairly and consistently and to the required standards.

Centres must adhere to Agored Cymru’s quality assurance requirements when carrying out internal verification on any unit(s) from qualifications.

Internal quality assurers must:

• have current and/or relevant experience in assessing and internal verification;
• have undertaken relevant training if new to internal quality assurance (see website for Agored Cymru Introduction to Internal Verification courses);
• have good knowledge and understanding of Agored Cymru internal verification requirements.
• Have good knowledge and understanding of Agored Cymru units and qualification in their chosen sector(s).
• be familiar with the level of the unit(s)/qualification(s) being delivered;

Internal verifiers do not currently need to have a formal internal verification qualification to internally verify Agored Cymru units and / or qualification, unless stated in the qualification guide or unit criteria*. However, Agored Cymru strongly recommends that internal verifiers work towards formal accreditation (e.g Level 4 Certificate on Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice). In addition, Agored Cymru strongly recommends that assessors attend Agored Cymru’s Introduction to Assessment training. Dates of when training events are held can be found here.

Internal verifiers cannot internally verify their own assessment materials, tasks or assessment decisions. Consequently, it is recommended that the internal verification skills of a whole team are developed. This gives the centre more flexibility and avoids over-reliance on any one person.

* Some qualifications have particular requirements that must be met to enable tutors / assessors to deliver and assess the qualification. Please refer to the relevant qualification guide to confirm your tutors / assessors are able to meet these requirements. In some cases, evidence of a tutor / assessors experience / qualification must be submitted to Agored Cymru prior to delivery.

Centres must adhere to Agored Cymru’s assessment requirements when delivering qualifications, or any unit(s) from qualifications.

For guidance on internal verification please click here for the Agored Cymru Guide to Internal Verification.

This approach forms part of Agored Cymru’s CASS strategy which ensures that sufficient controls are in place where an assessment is marked by a centre (Condition H2).

Agored Cymru ‘risk bands’ all of its qualifications. Risk bandings of qualifications feed into the risk management system which is ‘weighted’ accordingly.

When risk banding a qualification, Agored Cymru considers:

• the construct of the qualification
• any related professional standards for the qualification
• any evidence associated with the sector and/or qualification to suggest that a particular CASS approach may be necessary.

Agored Cymru determines the most appropriate CASS approach for each of its qualifications to ensure that regulatory minimum requirements are fully met. All centres delivering and assessing Agored Cymru qualifications will receive an Annual Centre Review.

Agored Cymru is confident that this will give additional assurance to sector specific bodies and protect the integrity of the qualification(s), creating better outcomes for learners.

It may be necessary to make changes to an assessment to accommodate the needs of a single or small group of learners. This may in response to a disability or difficulty that places the learner at a substantial disadvantage in the assessment process. Reasonable adjustments to the assessment process must not affect the readability and validity of the assessment outcomes and must be as rigorous as assessment methods used with other learners. All reasonable adjustments must be recorded and be approved by the internal verifier before use.

In some instances it may be necessary to consider applying special considerations for adjustments for a learner or group of learners as part of the assessment process. This may be applied if a learner’s performance in an assessment is affected by circumstances beyond the control of the learners e.g. recent personal illness, accident, bereavement, serious disturbance during the assessment; or if part of an assessment has been missed due to circumstances beyond the control of the learner. All special considerations must be recorded and be approved by the internal verifier before use.

Assessors must remember that a reasonable adjustment and / or special consideration must not give the learner an unfair advantage. The learner’s result must reflect his/her achievement in the assessment and not necessarily his/her potential achievement.

Further guidance about the types of and process for applying reasonable adjustments and / or special consideration can be found in the Agored Cymru Reasonable Adjustments to Assessment Policy and the Agored Cymru Special Considerations for Assessment Policy.

Centres must keep all learner evidence and assessment records safe and secure to ensure that they are available for external quality assurance and regional standardisation events. Up to date, securely stored assessment records also help to minimise the risk of assessment malpractice, or potential issues if an assessor leaves during a course.

Centres must:

a) store all assessment records securely and safely;

b) maintain records of learner achievements that are up to date, regularly reviewed and tracked accurately;

c) have all current learner evidence available for external quality assurance;

Additionally, in line with Agored Cymru and regulatory requirements, Centres must retain sufficient evidence of learners’ work, assessment decisions and internal verification records to monitor standards over time. For further guidance please see the Agored Cymru Retention of Assessment Materials Policy.

As an Agored Cymru recognised centre, you are required to attend Standardisation workshops. The workshops offer you an opportunity to meet with fellow assessment and quality assurance professionals with the aim of developing a common understanding of Agored Cymru standards and to share expertise and leading practice.

Standardisation workshops are supportive, interactive sessions where you will review examples of assessment materials and learner evidence and make judgements on whether:

• assessment materials are valid and fit for purpose;
• learner evidence is authentic, reliable and sufficient;
• assessment practice and internal quality assurance is effective and fair;
• standards are consistent across centres;
• standards are comparable over time;
• the sample includes any leading practice.

Current information on Agored Cymru standardisation workshops can be found on our website.

Certificates will be made available within Service Standards

Centres are required to distribute certificates to all learners promptly.