Nor'West News: July 19, 2016

10 essential computer skills for the workplace
Computer tutor Josh Hough, who
teaches school students through
Ara Institute of Canterbury, offers
some useful tips about basic
computing for employment.
1. Knowing how to use a computer
Knowing how to actually operate a computer
will make you a much more efficient
employee. Having an understanding of the
appearance, keyboard commands and ways
in which the computer operating system
works will make you more valuable to
your employer.
2. Word processing skills
4. Using email
Many workplaces now use email as their
primary method of communication.
Having a good understanding of how to
use it is essential. Knowing about correct
email etiquette is also important as it’s
easy to convey the wrong message when
communicating in text only.
5. Using Microsoft Office
Many employers use specialist software,
however the majority use Microsoft office
for common tasks such as word processing,
spreadsheets, databases and presentations.
Being familiar with these programmes is an
essential skill to possess.
employer safe when using the computer
is something every employee should know.
8. Knowing how to back up your work
Unfortunately, computers can get viruses and
networks can crash. Learning how to back up
your documents so you don’t risk losing all of
your hard work if something goes wrong is a
really helpful skill to possess.
9. Organising your files
A large amount of businesses store their files on
computer networks that can vary in complexity.
Being able to organise your files effectively is a
desirable skill for many employers.
10. Understanding basic
hardware terminology
You don’t have to be a tech-wiz, but you
do need to understand the difference
between the various parts of the computer
like the “hard drive”, “modem” and “router”.
Knowing the names of the parts and their
functions will make it much easier to get
help when you need to report a problem
to tech support.
Word processing is an absolutely essential
skill in today’s job market. Many employers
require their staff to be able to proficiently
write, edit, and produce a variety of
documents using a computer.
3. Using the internet
Being able to confidently use the internet
is crucial for job seekers. Having the ability
to complete research by browsing various
websites or by using search engines can
allow you to easily find things out – useful for
both work and home life!
6. Using the cloud
Cloud technology provides online storage
space and is commonly used to store, send
and receive files. Many businesses make use
of this technology to allow their employees
to share and collaborate on files and
documents.
7. Keeping secure
There are all sorts of security risks
associated with using a computer, especially
when sensitive data is involved. Knowing the
dos and don’ts to help keep you and your
Opening doors to the world of ICT
Ara Computing For Free programmes
don’t just lead to wider immediate work
opportunities - they can open up a whole
world of computing programmes to help
you go even further. Many students discover
a passion and an aptitude for computing
through Computing For Free. Having boosted
their confidence and study skills, they then
decide to take their knowledge further.
There are a wide range of pathways available
for studying computing at Ara depending
on the career outcomes you want to achieve
and how long you want to study for. All
programmes are developed in conjunction
with industry to provide the most up-to-date
and relevant knowledge of this fast-paced
and exciting industry.
The entry point for the Department of
Computing programmes is the New Zealand
Certificate in Information Technology
Essentials Level 4. This six month, full time
programme offers an excellent overview of
major computing areas including hardware,
operating systems, networking and security,
user experience, website design and
development, information systems, and
software design and development. It also
covers the professional, ethical and legal
context of computing in the real world.
Many students
discover a passion
and an aptitude for
computing through
Computing For Free.
There are a number of 12 month New Zealand
diplomas covering IT technical support or
web development and design at level 5,
and networking or systems administration
at level 6. These can lead right through to
the three year Bachelor of Information and
Communication Technologies.
Youth who want to leave school and get
started on their career can enrol in the
Certificate in Foundation Studies Level 2
(Computing) through the Youth Guarantee
programme at Ara, which is fees-free.
At the other end of the spectrum,
professionals in the industry can put
their expertise towards academic
credits and a qualification through
the Centre for Assessment of Prior
Learning. This is an excellent
way to upskill and achieve
career progression.
For all the details,
see www.ara.ac.nz.
ara.ac.nz |