SOUTHPORT, Conn., June 20, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- The European Computer Driving Licence Foundation, the world's recognized leader in supporting training, testing and certification of essential computer skills and IT knowledge, is poised to enter the U.S. market.
The Foundation's flagship product, the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) certification program, will be the initial focus for the U.S. market and will be launched via a wholly owned United States licensee, ICDL-US. Established in 1997, the program is the world's largest and most successful computer literacy program operating in more than 50 countries with more than 1.3 million registered participants. Possession of an ICDL certificate is proof that the holder has demonstrated fundamental computer operating skills and has an understanding of IT concepts. ICDL-US will launch pilot programs with key partners in the second half of 2001.
"Computer literacy is an essential tool for all individuals. Without the basic skills to operate a personal computer, the 'digital divide' will continue to endure for millions of people," according to David Carpenter, Managing Director of the ECDL Foundation in Dublin, Ireland. "Our ICDL program provides every individual with the opportunity to Connect, Communicate and Compete in a global digital society."
The ECDL Foundation develops and controls the ICDL Program through a worldwide syllabus and consistent application of operating standards and guidelines. The ICDL provides benefits to everyone from large multinational organizations and government bodies to the individual computer user based on the program's certification of fundamental IT skills and concepts.
The ICDL program is unique and particularly relevant versus other computer literacy programs that focus on training and assessment alone.
"Today, the education trend in the U.S. is moving toward demonstrated results and accountability," according to Gene Gage, CEO of ICDL-US. "Without a certification element, there's an inherent doubt about an individual's competence and mastery of computing concepts and skills. ICDL is a complete solution that documents a thorough understanding of the key elements necessary to operate a personal computer in both the work and home environments. If someone has the ICDL certificate hanging on their wall, they know their stuff."
A wide range of pilot programs are planned to launch the ICDL in the U.S. These programs will include traditional 4-year colleges and universities, career and community colleges, secondary schools, corporations, federal, state and local government programs, retirees and other affinity groups and individuals. ICDL-US is currently under discussion with Colorado State University as a location for one of the first university program sites.
ICDL-US is actively soliciting pilot program partners to participate in the U.S. launch. "We have the ideal computer literacy program for today's movement toward accountability and documented results. We don't believe that it is in the student's best interest to only participate in IT training; we go the final step and certify knowledge and the application thereof. This makes the effort far more valuable to both the ICDL holder and potential employers. We have a proven program ready to implement that we believe makes the ICDL highly attractive," said Gage.
Gage will be speaking at the upcoming NECC event in Chicago on June 26, 2001. His program, titled "Connect, Communicate, Compete Bringing ICDL to the U.S." will be presented at 4:30 p.m. in room S101b at McCormick Place. Interested parties should plan to attend or contact Gage at (866) 799-ICDL.
About the ECDL Foundation
The ICDL is deployed and monitored by the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation (ECDL-F). Founded in 1997, ECDL-F's mission is to promote computer skills for everyone. Based in Dublin, Ireland, the Foundation administers the ICDL syllabus and certification programs in more than 50 countries worldwide. The ECDL-F is the guarantor of the ICDL standard and the Foundation ensures that the ICDL is administered in an equitable manner internationally.
About ICDL-US
ICDL-US is a wholly owned subsidiary of the ECDL Foundation. ICDL-US, based in Southport, Conn., will develop and implement programs to introduce and monitor the ICDL program into the U.S. market in 2001. ICDL-US will distribute the ICDL Program in conjunction with a network of assessment, training and test center partners.
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CONTACT: ICDL-US, Southport
Gene Gage, CEO
(866) 799-ICDL (4235)
Fax: (203) 319-1182
www.icdlus@aol.com