A brief look at the ICT profession and why the Caribbean might need a competency framework for ICT professionals and specialists.<\/em><\/p>\n
With the emergence of the field \u201cinformation and communications technology\u201d (ICT) over the last 10 years or so, a cadre of persons dubbed \u201cICT professionals\u201d has also developed. However, what does it mean to be an \u201cICT professional\u201d?<\/p>\n
In breaking down the term \u201cICT professional\u201d, first, ICT<\/p>\n
\u2026is an umbrella term that includes any communication device or application, encompassing: radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning<\/em><\/p>\n
(Source: TechTarget<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
of, relating to, suitable for, or engaged in as a profession\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n
engaging in an activity for gain or as a means of livelihood\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n
extremely competent in a job, etc\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n
(of a piece of work or anything performed) produced with competence or skill\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n
undertaken or performed for gain or by people who are paid\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n
a person who belongs to or engages in one of the professions\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n
(Source: Collins<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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- possess an underlying core body of specialised, in\u2010depth, knowledge<\/li>\n
- possess the capacity for independent action, operating with a high level of responsibility and autonomy<\/li>\n
- adhere to a code of ethics; and<\/li>\n
- engage in regular continuing professional development, enhancing relevant technical and professional skills (Source: Australian Computer Society<\/a>).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
However, recognising the broad range of topics that fall under ICT, a key challenge when trying to recruit an ICT professional (or specialist), is knowing what are all of the competencies necessary for a particular skill. This challenge has implications in the recruitment and training in particular, as it can be difficult to<\/p>\n
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- clearly identify all of desired skills and capabilities needed for a particular position<\/li>\n
- impartially compare candidates\u2019 skills and capabilities, and eventually<\/li>\n
- clearly map out development paths for such employees, once they are at a firm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
It has therefore been proposed that the ICT space could benefit from the establishment of a competency framework, similar to those already in place other disciplines. These frameworks may be nationally mandated, such as through specific Technical and Vocation Education Training (TVET) programmes, but they could also be implemented by professional societies and associations, which in turn self-regulate their members.<\/p>\n
Though persons might question whether a competency framework for ICT professionals is needed in the Caribbean, it is must be emphasised that the ICT field comprises of several disciplines, each of which require a wide set of skills in order competently undertake certain specific functions. More importantly, and in light of how critical ICTs have become to the our societies and virtually all aspects of our lives (e.g. our finances, health, and physical safety), it will become increasingly important that the specialists or professionals we employ or otherwise contract, possess the requisite competencies and attitude, and can take full responsibility for the work they undertake.<\/p>\n
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Image credit:\u00a0 kangshutters (FreeDigitalPhotos.net<\/a>)<\/em><\/p>\n
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