Informatics Quezon City | International College North Edsa

The steady growth of information and communications technology investments and its inevitable integration in almost all areas of the industry provide more and more opportunities to workers with information technology (IT) literacy, training, and background.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported that investments in information and communications technology in the Philippines amounted to P12.2 Billion in the first quarter alone of 2003. In line with this development, the Information Technology and E-Commerce Council (ITECC) of the Philippines, initially identified five major areas where IT trained workers will be in demand here and abroad: contact center, medical transcription, animation, software development, and shared financial services.

DTI further estimates that over 300,000 IT-related jobs are available to graduates each year. Unfortunately, a great majority of graduates remain unemployed because of inadequate training, failure to meet local and international industry standards and the lack of familiarity with industry tools and processes (Mind Magazine, January 2004).

Today, the education sector is focusing on training students in IT and related business processes through the integration of IT subjects in the curriculum, faculty development, and providing various areas where familiarity with the current tools, trends, and processes in the industry is achieved. These efforts should result to proficient IT workers – those who are not only products of IT-integrated curriculum but also with sufficient industry exposure and whose talents, competitiveness, and skills are developed while in school. Proficient IT workers will definitely have the edge in employment especially that international competition, scarcity of trained workers, new employee expectations, and pressures for higher productivity level are the challenges that await the global workforce.

With this prevailing industry condition and the challenges it impose, INFORMATICS, the world leader in IT Education and Training, takes part in offering the much needed support to schools and students in the development of proficient IT workers and practitioners. This is by establishing a student organization in schools providing a venue for students to enhance their skills and acquire the necessary exposure in the field of IT. The organization shall be known as the JUNIOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY (JITS).

Goals and Objectives

The JUNIOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY (JITS) is a student organization established to promote interest and necessary exposure in the field of IT, provide international affiliation, and opportunities to manifest their skills, foster camaraderie among members, and to inculcate responsibility and excellence in students as future IT Professionals. It also aims to provide support services to schools in all their IT requirements, projects, and concerns.

JITS shall carry out the following objectives towards the attainment of its goals:

	Conduct various student activities and create programs for the appreciation and advancement of Information Technology in the school
	Regularly provide the students with useful materials and information including updates and trends in the industry.
	Establish a pool of achievers to represent the school in different IT-related competitions, congress, and events.
	Provide a venue for meeting, interaction and learning as well as building unity and friendship among students.
	Encourage the student body to contribute in achieving the goals of their school through information technology and instilling in them the culture of excellence and social responsibility.
	Provide assistance, coordination, consultation and other support services in the schools IT requirements, projects and concerns through the organization, INFORMATICS, and its partners.

Benefits to the Students

Members of JITS shall enjoy the following privileges and benefits:

	International affiliation. JITS shall be established in select high schools nationwide and shall set-up affiliations with similar organizations abroad though Informatics’ global network. Members shall then be a part of a national student organization with international linkages.
	Training programs and seminars. JITS shall coordinate the conduct of various IT Training Programs and Seminars within the school or outside its premises. Members can participate in all seminars and training programs for free, through scholarships or on discounted rates.
	Information and updates. JITS shall establish an organization bulletin board within the school premises providing relevant information, helpful tips, hardware and software innovations, and the latest trends in information technology.
	IT competitions. JITS shall sponsor the conduct of IT Competitions within the school and among High Schools. Exposure to such activities shall enhance the capability, creativity and competitiveness of members.
	Career Orientation. JITS shall provide career orientation, assessment and guidance to all members on IT Courses, IT skills and employment opportunities relevant to respective interest or goals.
	Assistance to school organization and activities. JITS can provide assistance to other school organizations and in the conduct of their activities through documentation, computerized systems, and the like.
	Other privileges provided by Informatics Centers in the area. Informatics Centers, in support to JITS, may provide other great privileges to members.

An Identification Card (ID) shall be issued to all members as proof of membership and shall be presented when availing membership privileges and benefits. A minimal fee shall be collected for the ID cost.

Advantages to the Schools

Schools with JITS shall receive the following support services and advantages:

	Staff seminars and training. JITS, through Informatics or its partners, may conduct customized IT seminars or training programs for the faculty and administration if so required.
	IT consultancy. JITS, through Informatics, can provide consultancy or assistance on the school’s network, system and all other hardware and software concerns.
	Student development. The establishment of JITS is a unique venue provided by the school where students can develop their IT skills and understanding towards technology.
	Assistance to school activities and programs. JITS can provide assistance to practically all the school’s activities and programs such as documentation, computerized systems, sponsorships, awards, display collaterals, and the like.
	Partnership and affiliation. JITS partnership with IT companies and institutions opens strategic alliances and marketing advantage to the school.