A batch of over 100 individuals and employees of various ministries, parastatals and private firms have been awarded certificates after completing computer courses at the Victoria Computer Services (VCS) training centre.

The participants were presented with their certificates by VCS Executive Chairman Marc Hoareau during a presentation ceremony held at the Yoga Club hall next to the VCS premises on Monday.

Congratulating the participants on their achievement Mr Hoareau emphasised the importance of information technology (IT) literacy in work places.

He reminded the participants that a journey of a thousand miles starts with a first step, and by completing the VCS courses, they have taken that first step to increasing their IT knowledge.

Since the beginning of the year, the VCS training centre has conducted 25 different courses -- mainly desktop applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint -- up to expert levels.

According to the centre's administrator, Daniel Adrienne, 2003 has been a successful year for VCS.  The enrolment rate for 2003 increased by 8 percent compared to 2002, with more than 600 students being trained, he said.

Computer technicians and networking administrators from a number of institutions such as Cable and Wireless, the Ministry of Land Use and Habitat, Economic Planning and Information Technology and Communication are now certified technicians having followed various internationally recognised certification exams.

In order to meet IT job opportunities, Mr Adrienne said that the VCS Training Centre calls upon individuals to obtain the knowledge and skills that they require for Seychelles to move forward in the IT world.

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