Q-Validus, the international certification solutions provider, today announced the launch of Computer Wings in the UK. Computer Wings is a new and practical computer skills certification programme focused on real-world tasks and roles in the modern workplace.

The launch took place in Coatbridge College, Glasgow which is the first authorised Computer Wings Centre in the UK. Through its commercial arm, Business Solutions, Coatbridge, a further education college with over 6,000 enrolled students, engages extensively with employers across Scotland and the UK to offer innovative and flexible products and services. 

Computer Wings is a vocational or role-based progressive skills programme which focuses on key functional activities within a modern organisation; communication, marketing, IT networks and security, business development, process flows and project management. It is a flexible, modular-based programme consisting of 10 standalone modules, enabling candidates to demonstrate modern, progressive computer skills to enhance their career prospects.

(l-r) Gary Cleere and David Carpenter, co-founders, Q-Validus with Cliona Manahan, Consul General of Ireland to Scotland and John Doyle, College Principal, Coatbridge College

Computer Wings is for organisations and candidates seeking to develop new skills such as Project Management, e-Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation, Web Creation and Web Analytics techniques using computer applications such as MS Project, Visio, Publisher, Dreamweaver, Google Analytics and Ad Words. The use of such applications is becoming increasingly common in today’s workplace.

Q-Validus, headquartered at NovaUCD the Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre at University College Dublin, was established in 2007 and is already recognised as one of the most innovative players in the certification solutions sector. Q-Validus is supported by Enterprise Ireland and is part of the agency’s High Potential Start-up Programme.

Speaking at the launch, David Carpenter, Q-Validus, co-founder and CEO said, “We are delighted to formally launch the Computer Wings programme in association with Coatbridge College, the first authorised Computer Wings centre in the UK. As Scotland’s oldest College, Coatbridge has a rich history and tradition in providing students with education and training to the highest standards.” He added, “We look forward to Computer Wings providing students with access to new and relevant IT skills that will enable them to fulfil their potential and meet the demands of the individuals and corporates alike.”

The Computer Wings programme was developed by Q-Validus as a response to detailed research into the demands of candidates, training centres and corporates for new progressive computer skills. The development of such skills raise organisational productivity through improved communication and collaboration in the workplace, resulting in higher standards of output and improved user confidence.

The Computer Wings programme also provides training centres with a new and exciting skills certification programme mapped to the latest UK National Occupational Standards resulting in new revenue generating opportunities.

Also speaking at the launch, John Doyle, College Principal, Coatbridge College said, “Coatbridge College is delighted to be the first accredited provider of this important qualification in Scotland. This accreditation has been the result of a strong partnership with Q-Validus and Enterprise Ireland and we look forward to developing our relationship in the future. Partnerships such as these will become increasingly important as we continue our engagement with employers to deliver innovative and relevant products.”

Enterprise Ireland’s Scotland Country Manager, Christine Esson said, “Q-Validus is a great example of a company developing world-beating technology enabling skills programmes in Ireland at the moment.  Being adopted by Coatbridge College as the first authorised Computer Wings centre in the UK, is a real endorsement of Q-Validus and Computer Wings and will prove a great shop window to demonstrate the productivity this programme can deliver.  The launch is not just great news for the company but also for Ireland’s reputation as a country at the very cutting edge of technological development.”

Cliona Manahan, Consul General of Ireland to Scotland and David Carpenter, co-founder and CEO, Q-Validus

Cliona Manahan, Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, who also attended the launch said, “We mark a new First for Ireland and Scotland. Ireland is particularly proud of this major, new connection. Coatbridge is the home to generations of Irish people who settled here, and throughout Scotland. They are represented now in every sphere of civic life and enrich the economic, political, social and cultural development of Scotland - and beyond.  Coatbridge is now a thriving community and one which is moving with confidence through the 21st century. We now look forward to the dispersal of Computer Wings from this town, to other cities and towns throughout Scotland.”

Computer Wings is also endorsed by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and has been credit rated and leveled against the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). Nine of the Computer Wings modules are designated as SCQF Level 7 and one is designated as SCQF Level 6. Q-Validus is also working in partnership with SQA to promote Computer Wings throughout Scotland and internationally.

Joe Wilson, SQA New Ventures Manager said, “SQA is delighted to be associated with the Computer Wings programme. We look forward to continuing to work with Q-Validus to promote these very useful products.”

ENDS

7 October 2009

For further information contact Micéal Whelan, NovaUCD, e-mail: miceal.whelan@ucd.ie, tel: (01) 716 3712 .

Editors Notes

Q-Validus is an international certification solutions provider working with renowned international awarding bodies and global technology and distribution partners to develop and deliver innovative IT certification programmes which provide practical and collaborative skills appropriate to the evolving workplace.

Coatbridge College is a further education college located in central Scotland with over 6,000 enrolled students. Through its commercial arm, Business Solutions, the College engages extensively with employers across Scotland and the UK to offer innovative and flexible products and services.   

NovaUCD is University College Dublin’s Innovation and Technology Transfer Centre. Twenty-four knowledge-intensive companies, including Q-Validus, are currently located in NovaUCD. NovaUCD has been funded through a unique public-private partnership that includes AIB Bank, Arthur Cox, Deloitte, Enterprise Ireland, Ericsson, Goodbody Stockbrokers, UCD and Xilinx.  

Enterprise Ireland is the Irish government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector. Its mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve strong positions in global markets resulting in increased national and regional prosperity.  

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is the national accreditation and awarding body in Scotland. SQA works in partnership with schools, colleges, universities and industry to provide high quality, flexible and relevant qualifications and assessments embedding industry standards where appropriate. We strive to ensure that SQA qualifications are inclusive, accessible to all, that they provide clear progression pathways, facilitate lifelong learning and recognise candidate achievement.