The launch of DIVA

SQA unveils world class digital collaboration to help young Scots

Six of the world's best known technology companies have agreed to co-operate to benefit Scotland's young people by supporting the introduction of new digital and ICT curriculum and qualifications.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority has signed up global technology leaders Apple, Avid, Cisco, Macromedia, Microsoft and Oracle, together with the computing industry trade association CompTIA, to participate in a ground breaking three year collaborative programme.

Described as a coup for Scotland, the programme will benefit thousands of young people studying at schools and colleges who want to access the IT industry, which is set to grow at 5-8 times faster than the UK average in the next ten years.

The scale and breadth of the programme will put Scotland at the forefront of qualification development for the digital economy

Called the Digital media and ICT Vendor Alliance (DIVA), the programme is designed to ensure that the curriculum, resources and awards for schools and colleges in Scotland are enriched by cutting edge developments within the IT industry.

Collaboration plans include:

• Development of new awards in ICT and digital media and expansion of existing awards
• Development of new learner support materials from industry into all levels of ICT and digital media education
• Professional development opportunities for Scottish teachers and lecturers to train in the latest technologies and courses
• Development of learning pathways for new career opportunities in ICT and digital media industries, in line with the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF)

The seven industry participants were selected by open tender following a detailed market survey commissioned by SQA in July 2004.

Commented Anton Colella, former Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority:

"We are delighted to be involved in this collaboration with these truly world-class companies and organisations.

"This is trail blazing work which can only benefit Scotland’s young people, Scotland’s education community and ultimately, Scotland’s economy as we strive to provide the skills and knowledge needed to allow Scotland to excel in the global market-place.

"I am thrilled that SQA is at the heart of such an exciting project."

Mark Rogers, Apple UK Managing Director

"We are delighted to be working with the SQA to build the skills and knowledge within the Scottish community that will help them compete in this fast moving digital world."

Peter Ramsay, General Manager, Avid UK & EMEA:

"Avid is delighted to be involved with the SQA in this innovative initiative. We're proud to be part of a collaboration that's bringing education and industry together; with more industry relevant courses available at schools and colleges throughout Scotland, students will emerge better prepared for the careers they’re ultimately pursuing."

Gordon Thomson, General Manager for Cisco Systems, Scotland:

"We in the IT industry have a key role in securing Scotland's future as a competitive player on the world stage, by helping educators meet the significant and growing need for skilled IT workers. This is a challenge which affects us all and which must be tackled head-on. Nurturing these core ICT and digital media skills, the SQA and its industry partners will equip students with the practical abilities they need to thrive in the knowledge economy."

Matthew Poyiadgi, Regional Director Europe, CompTIA:

"CompTIA is delighted to be a part of the DIVA project and fully supports the SQA in embracing these industry recognised qualifications. The success of education in the future will be based on successfully matching skills to industry needs, to help businesses in Scotland grow and be competitive at home and overseas. We are proud to work alongside the SQA who have taken this leadership position."

Pauline Yau, Education Sales Manager, Macromedia:

"Macromedia is proud to be participating in this important programme for enriching the digital media curriculum in Scotland."

Stephen Uden, Head of Citizenship, Programmes & Relationships, Microsoft UK Ltd:

"Microsoft is delighted to be a founding partner of DIVA and to support the development of up-to-date skills for Scottish learners. The global economy means that learners need skills that directly relate to opportunities for sustainable employment and DIVA provides the foundation for exactly that. The SQA have shown tremendous leadership and a willingness to partner with industry and we are pleased to have been able to assist by engaging a set of industry partners who represent the leaders of the digital and ICT industry. Microsoft wishes DIVA and the learners who will benefit from it the very best of success."

Jane Richardson, Oracle Senior Regional Development Manager:

"This is a real opportunity for our children to become the brains behind the digital economy. By involving IT in the curriculum and providing advanced technology teaching, we are giving the next generation the very best chance to develop bright futures for themselves, and for the prosperity of the national as a whole. "As the digital economy evolves, Scotland must be able to compete at a global level and I'm thrilled that, through the expanded Academy programme, Oracle is able to provide the very building blocks that will help our school pupils and teachers do that."

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