Computing Skills On The Job

Nearly 90% of all the jobs held by US workers contain one or more tasks that require the use of a computer or other IT equipment. And that percentage can only be expected to increase.

Even if IT and computing is not the central part of a particular job, it's likely that the tasks which require use of the technology are critical to getting the job done. And the employee with the most skill and most flexibility is most likely to be able to keep that job and grow in that occupation. 

And this is a major reason why the introduction of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) is critical - both to individual workers, and to Ohio 's economy overall. 

"Entry level" isn't what it used to be.  It used to be considered almost the same as "on the job training"  But these days employers expect more and especially need to ensure that all employees can make use of the basic tools of the trade - which almost always includes key applications on a computer.

Regardless of job title, most jobs do in fact involve the processing of information - and the computer is the basic tool to enable that activity. New procedures for handling money, paying taxes, keeping accounts - all rely increasingly on computing and the skill of the worker to do the job on the computer well. Maintaining schedules, helping customers - even making calls and answering the phone - increasingly rely on the computer and the skill of the worker to use the computer. Virtually every new productivity tool coming into the workplace - succeeds because it processes information more efficiently in some way.

Employees need to know that the nature of business has changed - you can no longer count on seniority or likeability or - sometimes - even special subject knowledge - alone, to get and keep a job.

Knowing the key applications used in workplace computing can make all the difference between two relatively equal candidates for a job.  That's why ICDL is important.

You must be able to use the systems in place AND - most importantly - you must be able to adapt to change in those systems - or replacement for systems - quickly and effectively. Often, employers do not plan to support weeks of training for a worker to move from one position to another. Employers increasingly expect their employers to be versatile enough to move from task to task - and change tools and knowledge requirements - quickly - as the needs of the business change.

In any enterprise, change is inevitable and constant. Sometimes the solution to a problem is simply a matter of finding one employee to fill in for another over a vacation or a sick leave. The employee with the ability to move around the organization with ease wins the employer's confidence, and heightens his/her proven contribution to the company.

Sometimes the change goes to the roots of the business - the business may have to undergo a complete change in strategy - or might be acquired by another company with radically different ideas about management and job assignments. Employees with a broad-based knowledge of the basic tools of the trade - is most likely to survive drastic corporate changes - and even thrive in a new environment.

History has shown that jobs that disappear due to technological advancement - generally do not disappear overnight. One task at a time, improvements in productivity switch techniques, information tools, computers etc. - and one task at a time employees find that they need new knowledge to keep up with those changes.

A basic understanding of basic computing applications - the fundamental essential tool of the Information Age - is now considered a basic skills area for Ohio workers - alongside reading and communication skills and math skills. Education is the key to acquiring new skills and keeping knowledge current. 

An ICDL program might be the first step to finishing a college degree.

If you are not considering higher education - or some continuing education program - consider this: Knowledge and education generally translate into higher salaries and greater success in whatever career you choose to pursue. Consider this chart (prepared with Census Bureau data from 2004):

Education level achieved - Average annual salary

• No High School Diploma - $22,939
• High school diploma - $30,766
• Some college - $35,714
• Associates Degree - $37,605
• Bachelor's Degree - $49,889
• Master's Degree - $59,508
• Doctorate (Ph.D.) - $79,403
• Professional degree (e.g., legal, medical) - $95,699

If you have not yet completed - or even begun - your advanced education to achieve these benefits - there is no time like the present. And there is no better placer to start than with honing your basic computing skills to maximum flexibility and effectiveness.  Find an ICDL program near you, and contact them today!

Computing Skills For Higher Education

Education has become more dependent on technology every year. But the technology required for success in college or some other higher education experience, is not necessarily the same set of skills you might have picked up in high school.

Getting more education pays substantial dividends. And continuing to maintain that education - going further, getting refreshers, acquiring credentials and certificates like the ICDL - prepares you for better jobs and a stronger career all along the way.

The work and discipline required to succeed in higher education requires a variety of computing tools. These basic applications can provide key support as you do research, complete reports and pursue other homework assignments, project and extra-curricular activities.

These skills are not acquired automatically - just because you have a high school diploma does not necessarily mean that you have all the skills you need to succeed at more education - or the next job in your career.  In fact, counselors from all over Ohio and across the nation confirm that incoming students are often sorely lacking in the computing skills they will need to get the most from the higher education investment.

The basic skill set covered by the International Computer Driving License - ICDL - is designed to represent the applications you are most likely to need for your continuing education.

They include:

• Basics of information technology and computers
• Basics of the operating system and file management
• Internet and email
• Word processing
• Spreadsheets
• Presentation tools
• Databases

The skills learned to help you use these applications will serve you well in your chosen work field and other activities in life.

Don't put it off - Check out the basic computer skills program and ICDL and get your certificate this quarter or this year - have the skills in hand - and in your mind - before you need them - so that you are ready to go when opportunity calls!