WE are in the midst of the information age and it is little wonder that IT training comes in dizzying arrays, with computer technicians needed in almost every field.

One computer instructor even suggested that parents should begin to familiarise children as young as two-years-old with computers.

The daily developments in IT are astounding and computers – once viewed by many as simple word processors – have become critical. Computers are the central nervous systems for most large businesses and the technicians who keep the vital ‘network’ alive are specialists in their workplaces.

Daw Mya Mya Than, managing director of AAT Business Centre in Yangon, said computers have rapidly transformed from difficult novelty items into essential tools.

“In the past people were afraid of computers because they were new and strange. Most people were afraid of them because different software had to be inserted into the computer whenever someone wanted to use it. It was confusing.”

“Later models have become more user-friendly and young people have been lured into taking computer training to make the best use of the available systems.”

“Back then the training centred on the now obsolete Pascal and Cobal programming languages which were taught at higher education facilities,” she said.

Daw Mya Mya Than said that since 2000 many Yangonites started to take a strong interest in computer training after seeing how important they would be to the continued development of Myanmar.

Most of the higher education training before 2000 focussed on courses like the International Diploma of Computer Studies (IDCS), which is recognised around the world. Unfortunately most of the teaching staff were young and inexperienced because many institutions had been closed for a number of years.

Well-to-do parents sought out IDCS training for their offspring who had only recently finished high school and for many it provided an answer to their prayers.

Now the information technology training market is packed and offers students the opportunity to study 3D graphics, e-management, accounting and programming – to name only a few.

Internationally recognised programs from Microsoft and the Japanese Information Technology Examination Centre (JITEC) are popular with young trainees looking for international qualifications.