JHP Training, York, has announced success for the first of its trainees for the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).

This new qualification is set to be the benchmark standard for computer skills across the UK and Europe and is seen by Government and local authorities as the accepted qualification for competency in information technology. It is aimed at jobless people and private companies.

JHP at Stonebow House is the accredited test centre for the licence, offering training and testing at short notice.

The ECDL is designed to help people at work and at home. It will confirm to potential employers that the licensee has a professionally recognised, relevant and up-to-date qualification.

JHP is helping to pioneer this qualification to all. working with private industry, government departments and Training for Adults programmes

Among the first successful trainees was Alan Blount, 29, of Acomb. Previous training attempts failed to result in a qualification , but his new ECDL with JHP Training has already secured him job interviews.

Phil Habergham, IT assessor trainer with JHP said: "We are a newly-accredited test centre for the ECDL and can offer both the training and the testing to anyone referred from the employment service, or from private companies at short notice.

"To illustrate how vital this new qualification will be - from now on all public library staff throughout the country will be required to have this licence.