FITIS accredited members ensure quality ICT Training

The dramatic growth in IT and the computer industry has given rise to an absolute demand for a mechanism ensuring the quality of the training offered to the learners. Training Chapter of Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS) has taken steps to promote high standards by maintaining a public code of conduct to be observed by its members and to promote and encourage the high standard of service and performance and to develop the confidence and respect of the public.

FITIS training Chapter ACTOS (Association of Computer Training Organization) was established in 1992 to promote, foster and develop and protect interest of the members, to provide a negotiating body and to represent the members on matters concerning them in discussions with the government and industry stakeholders.

By selecting a member of Training Chapter of Federation of IT information Technology (FITIS) , learners can have a guarantee that training provided by such institute meets the quality standards set by the association and industry ethics are maintained. FITIS Training Chapter members provide training ranging from ICT short courses, diplomas. Professional qualifications, degree programs to post graduate diploma level. ACTOS members have to fulfill minimum qualification level to ensure quality training said Dr Kithsiri Manchnayake, President of the FITIS Training Chapter and Vice Chairman of Asia Oceania Computing Industry Association (ASOCIO).

It is also important to distinguish between the different levels of ICT proficiency because training programs have to be structured according to the level of proficiency desired said Dr Manchanayake.

“FITIS training Chapter in association with FITIS Hardware, FITIS Software Chapter and FITIS Professional Chapter has identified a 2 level scale of ICT skills namely General Proficiency, and Specialist Proficiency. General Proficiency is the level of proficiency needed among the general public such as searching for information or conducting business on the Internet for technology to have its full use of technology developments. It also involves proficiency in languages and mathematics for practical users, computer business applications such as word processing, spread sheets, e-mail etc. Specialist Proficiency is required for those who develop and apply technology. This level typically includes a degree in IT or another field though the skills can be self-taught or acquired in the workplace. Training courses are designed to produce ICT technicians such as web site designers, network trouble shooters and ICT professionals such as hardware engineers, software engineers and telecommunications engineers” concluded Dr Manchanayake.

The Sri Lanka ICT Industry Association, FITIS, the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka, which Constitutes the Hardware Chapter- Sri Lanka Computer Vendors Association (SLCVA),the Software Chapter - Sri Lanka Association for the Software Industry (SLASI) The Training Chapter - Association of Computer Training Organization (ACTOS) the telecommunication Chapter- Lanka Internet Service Providers Association (LISPA)/ (TPA) - and the Professional Chapter - Information security Audit and Control (ISACA). FITIS has been in operation for the last 18 years as the unified umbrella organization of the ICT Industry in Sri Lanka and actively engaged in developing the ICT industry with many programs and initiatives.