Philadelphia Adopts Computer Certification Program
By Ronald Roach
PHILADELPHIA
In an effort to boost work-force productivity and business growth, a coalition has been formed to better prepare Philadelphia area residents to succeed in the technology-driven workplace.
The newly-formed Greater Philadelphia Computer Skills Collaborative is being led by the Mayor’s Commission on Technology, IBM, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Universal Companies. The collaborative is implementing a global computer skills certification program known as the International Computer Driving License (ICDL). The program is recognized in more than 100 countries as the standard for basic computer skills certification.
Last month, 10 test centers opened in the greater Philadelphia area to provide testing for ICDL certification. “Computer skills are essential for success in today’s business environment. By offering the ICDL certification in Philadelphia, we are giving our work force a tool they can use to get ahead,” says Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street.
IBM has helped spearhead the local effort to establish an ICDL program in Philadelphia after it was recognized that it led to significant upgrades in computer skills among people in Europe.
“The ICDL was a particularly interesting concept,” says Diane Melley, an IBM corporate community relations executive in Philadelphia. “For the last several years, IBM has worked hard to improve the IT skills of the people in Philadelphia so that the city is best prepared to compete in a digital economy. This program presented an effective solution to continuing this campaign.”
The Greater Philadelphia Computer Skills Collaborative is a collaboration of industry, government, higher education and other institutions dedicated to bringing improved work skills and productivity to the Philadelphia area through the introduction of the ICDL certification program.
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