Driving licences for computer users

The body, which is responsible for regeneration in the region, is one of three Leeds-based organisations to achieve accreditation as a new European-wide IT skills testing centre.

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) has been introduced to establish recognised standards for all users within the EC.

Under the scheme, participants have their skills in seven computer based modules logged, and are presented with a certificate of competence.

Chief executive Martin Havenhand said winning testing centre status was a boon for Yorkshire Forward and the region.

He said: "As outlined in our Learning and Skill Action Plan, Yorkshire Forward is committed to training a million people with information and communication technology skills by 2002.

"The establishment of accredited test centres is essential to the achievement of our commitment to train a million people.

"Computer skills are one of the main tools of the 21st Century, providing instant access to a wealth of information. The ECDL will allow people to learn at their own pace whilst working towards a recognised qualification."

John Bayley, of the British Computer Society, said: "We hope to encourage the information under-class of people who cannot use technology to take part in the new on-line culture."

The other two groups to receive accreditation are the Technorth Family Learning Centre, a community based project which works with young people in Leeds, and Yorkshire Post Training.