Public and Commercial Services Union

This is one of the pioneering learning centre partnerships which I hope will become a core activity for the trades union movement. The aim of this centre is to improve ITC skills for PCS members. Some of my Parliamentary colleagues may like to take note of it too!" Malcolm Wicks, then lifelong learning minister at the official opening of the PCS learning centre, January 2000

About the centre

The PCS learning centre is located in Victoria, central London. information and communications technology  courses have been running at the centre, developed with the support of the government's union learning fund, since 1999.

The centre houses 14 networked personal computers (PCs). All have internet access and Microsoft Office 2000.The centre was refurbished in 2001 to create a bright and welcoming environment in which to work.

About the courses

The PCS learning centre offers computer skills courses that run over several weeks, two-day computer workshops as well as other workshops such as written communication and digital photography.

Find out more in the London and SE events listing page.

ECDL - European Computer Driving Licence

The PCS learning centre is now taking applications for ‘New ECDL’. Our Learndirect centre in Victoria provides the European Computer Driving Licence, an internationally recognised qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills. The record breaking ECDL is the fastest growing IT user qualification in over 125 countries.

ECDL is designed specifically for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enable them to develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects. No prior knowledge of IT or computer skills is needed to start studying for ECDL.

Prerequisites

No pre-requisites required, full IT diagnostic assessment offered before any testing. Don't worry if you haven't studied for a while, on enrolment you will be given tutor support throughout the duration of your course.

The ECDL is awarded by the British Computer Society to which we are an accredited testing centre.

As of 1 September 2009 the ECDL qualification has been upgraded in line with the new national occupational standards. The new qualification, called ECDL Extra (also BCS Level 2 ITQ Certificate in IT User Skills) is made up of 4 units:

• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Presentation Software
• Improving Productivity Using IT
ECDL Essentials has three Units:
• IT User Fundamentals
• Using E-mail and the internet
• Security for IT Users

Learners will be able to register for these separately as a *Level 1 and Level 2 qualification. Completion of both ‘Essentials’ and ‘Extra’ will lead to the ECDL qualification. The units are provided through the Learndirect website on-line courses, allowing you the flexibility to study the units from home as well as in our centre. 
 

Course Delivery Method

The delivery method is mixed comprising of tutor based support and guidance, and on-line learning material through the Learndirect website.

Testing Method

There are diagnostics and practice-tests to give you confidence, and address any knowledge or skills gaps, before attempting the tests at the end of each module. All are computer based and taken in our centre.

Funding/Pricing Policy

British Computer Society (BCS) registration costs are as follows:
ECDL Extra £50
ECDL Essentials £50
Both £80

There is no fee for course enrolment. All courses are funded for learners assessed as below Level 2 in ICT and intending to work towards the full qualification.

Application/Enrolment

Complete the PCS learning centre Online application form and return to: Sonia Scully, Learning Support, PCS Learning Centre: Fax: 020 7801 2701, e-mail: sonia@pcs.org.uk

 
PCS learning centre courses are for PCS members and their colleagues who want a solid introduction to using computers or who wish to brush up on their existing skills.

Learners use the courses to help them with their work, to help them move on to new jobs or for their own personal development. The centre is most suitable for those members who live or work within travelling distance of central London.

Time off work

Some people prefer to learn in their own time. If you would like to do a computer skills course in work time you should discuss this with your manager.

It may be possible to get time off work by linking the course to your Personal Development Review and/or through arrangements such as the employer's policy on further education.

PCS members can get advice from their PCS representative or learning rep on negotiating time off.

 
What if I don't live in London and can't get to the PCS learning centre?  

The courses offered in the PCS learning centre are also run by many colleges around the country.

To find information about courses at your local college visit the Learndirect website or call the Learndirect national learning advice line on 0800 100 900.