Who can become a Centre?

Although the programme was originally developed for the NHS, ANY organisation can apply to become a centre.

By operating a centrally managed service we are able to offer the IT Skills Pathway at a fraction of the cost that would apply if organisations were to develop and maintain their own similar system. To discuss becoming a centre, please email it.skills@nhs.net

Centre Requirements

As is the case with all learning that uses computers and the Internet, there is a need to comply with certain technical specifications. In order to make the Pathway available to as many people as possible we endeavour to keep these technical requirements to a minimum. This means that people can undertake learning at home or at work without the need for specialist software.

Some of the basic requirements needed are:

Windows XP or newer Operating System (or any other OS compatible with Shockwave Player 11.6x)
Windows Internet Explorer 7 or newer (or other modern browser compatible with Shockwave Player)
Shockwave Player 11.6 or newer
Broadband (or N3) Internet Connection
Recommended - 1280 x 1024 or higher screen resolution

Make it a Success

Keep up to date with latest developments
Embed with HR/Staff Development
Successfully market and promote
Use the tracking system effectively
Encourage learners to undertake evaluation/capture success
Maximise the potential of the products
Celebrate success internally and externally
Work out delivery methods

“The IT Skills Pathway allows us to plug in the right training for everybody at the right level from very basic training to much more advanced training."

Chris Reed, Chief Executive
NHS North of Tyne

“The online nature of the courseware, plus the web based learning and assessment packages make it an ideal method of delivering skills training to large numbers of students"

Judy Jenkins, Lecturer in Health Informatics
Swansea University

“The IT Skills Pathway has not only given staff the opportunity to certify their existing skills and knowledge, but has enabled users that are new to IT to gain knowledge, skills and confidence. This has supported them with their work today and most importantly, has prepared them for tomorrow."

Sue Herbert, Training & Quality Manager
NHS North of Tyne

“The entire programme is of great benefit to my organisation and staff really enjoy the flexibility provided by the blended learning. Learner and trainer feedback has been very positive with staff indicating these newly acquired IT skills have enabled them to be far more productive and efficient in their workplace."

Darren Mills, Learning and Development Manager
South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust

“As part of the NHS IT Skills Pathway, we have used the online ELITE assessment very successfully to help us understand the knowledge and skills of potential employees at the recruitment stage. We are now planning to expand our use of the system to establish a baseline assessment of IT skills of all our current employees to support an ongoing programme to improve and develop our people in an increasingly paperless working environment."

David Bell, Director of Human Resources
NHS Litigation Authority

“The better the IT skills of the staff in the organisation, the more competent and efficient the workforce will be as a result. Staff will also gain a great sense of achievement by proving and improving their skills in this area."

Natalie Plows, Assistant Personnel & Development Manager
Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

“It is far easier to manage learners, administer online courses, customise the courses and observe learners' progress using the tracking system. I think our activity speaks for itself, learners love the fact that it is web based, its ease of access and that it tracks their progress."

Sylvie Sokol, IT Training manager
NHS Wiltshire

“The customisable courses have been a great success especially using the initial assessment in corporate inductions. We are assessing the learner’s IT skills the moment they start within the trust. You do not know what you are missing particularly using the configuration tools to create multiple instances of learning according to your organisations needs. Why reinvent the wheel and create your own e-Learning when you can use the tracking system."

Emma Johnson, IT Trainer
North Staffordshire IT Service

“Learners have flexibility in terms of where they can study and how they manage their own learning and progress. The post learning assessment gives them a goal to aim for and a certificate to show what they have achieved.The tracking system is easy to use and the facility to create your own courses has been particularly useful as we have customised them to use for assessment purposes."

Frances Hallam, Open Learning Advisor/Learner Support Administrator
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals

“It is an excellent system that enables you to monitor how learners are progressing."

Sharon Tew, Senior ICT Trainer
Cheshire ICT Service