EIT New Zealand launches free IT courses for professionals

Technology is advancing at breakneck speed, making it essential for employees to upgrade their skills and knowledge to stay abreast of new digital transformation initiatives within their organisation. In an initiative designed to help professionals meet this growing demand for IT skills, the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) New Zealand has launched free IT courses that aim to support upskilling and enhance employment opportunities.

This comes after the announcement of new target areas under the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund which means most IT courses in the region are now free.

IT certifications are an excellent way for professionals to boost their careers and climb the ladder as they prepare learners for a range of jobs within their expertise and skillset.

PCMag Asia’s list of top IT specialisations for 2020 identifies information systems management, networking, cloud computing, project management, and security as the top areas for upskilling. The most in-demand IT certifications include the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification offered by the professional association ISACA, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) also offered by ISACA, and Project Management Professional (PMP) offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The study also found that 80% of IT professionals agree that certifications are useful for their careers, but the challenge lies in determining the area of focus.

IT certifications also help professionals demonstrate to prospective employers that they have the dedication and expertise in a particular IT niche, making them a valuable asset to their organisation.

EIT’s Head of Business and Computing Schools Dr Sabine Hoffmann said Covid-19 had shown the importance of computer skills, “After lockdown, everyone is more aware how digital skills are highly needed.”

Hoffmann added that having good IT skills was no longer just a benefit to those working with data as tech has become increasingly important in all forms of business. She added employers are increasingly seeking people who have IT skills to complement their business skills.

The free IT courses offered by EIT New Zealand will equip learners with entry levels skills like web programming, programming fundamentals, and computer systems architecture, providing the much needed foundational IT skills — across all levels.

The free and flexible programme allows learners to develop computing skills from home where they can choose to complete either one or all the available computer training schemes at their own pace.

Through this programme, learners can choose a Training Scheme while those who would like to opt for more than two courses can enrol into the NZ Certificate in Computing User Fundamentals (Level 2) programme as this level covers many of the foundational skills in Microsoft Office.

The New Zealand Certificate in Information Technology Essentials (Level 4) does not require University Entrance and is a good entry point for people wanting to get into IT while those more comfortable with tech can enter the one-year New Zealand Diploma in Information Systems (Level 5).

EIT’s Executive Director of Strategic Projects and Partnerships Glen Harkness said there is no better time to retrain or start a new career, adding that the removal of fees for targeted training programmes makes these programmes attractive to both new learners and professionals looking to upskill.

“EIT is excited to support the people of Tairawhiti to remain in or find employment by providing training and offering future career prospects. We also think that the funding schemes will likely have an ongoing positive impact on student numbers,” Harkness said.