WHAT IS COMPUTER OPERATOR AND PROGRAMMING ASSISTANT (COPA) TRADE IN ITI

COURSE INFORMATION: 

During the one-year duration of Computer Operator and Programming Assistant trade a
candidate is trained on professional skill, professional knowledge and Employability skill related to
job role. In addition to this a candidate is entrusted to undertake project work and extracurricular
activities to build up confidence. The Broad components covered under the professional skill
subject are as below:

The trainee learns about safety and environment, use of fire extinguishers. He learns about
trade tools, identifies computer peripherals, internal components, basic DOS commands, Windows
and Linux interface and its related software installation process. Trainees will work with MS Office
package to create word document, practice with excel sheet and get idea to create a good power
point presentation, maintain database with MS Access. They will set up and configure a network
system of an organization. They will understand and able to work on Advanced excel concepts.
They will use internet to search information using browser along with official/ social
communication process. Trainees will learn E-commerce system and will be able to browse, select
and transact using different E-commerce websites. They will identify different type of cybercrimes
now days and will be able to secure information from Internet by using cyber security concept. The
trainees will be able to use cloud for their projects. They will comprehend the basic programming
techniques and can create algorithms and flow charts. Trainees will create basic static webpage
using HTML. Trainees can go on industrial visit or projects specified in the syllabus. The trainee
learns scripting language i.e. JavaScript and will develop dynamic webpage and hosting technique
in a registered domain. They will be able to develop programmes using Python.

TRAINING SYSTEM:

GENERAL
The Directorate General of Training (DGT) under Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship offers a range of vocational training courses catering to the need of different
sectors of economy/ Labour market. The vocational training programmes are delivered under the
aegis of Directorate General of Training (DGT). Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) with variants and
Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS) are two pioneer schemes of DGT for strengthening
vocational training.
“Computer Operator and Programming Assistant” trade under CTS is one of the most
popular courses delivered nationwide through network of ITIs. The course is of one year duration.
It mainly consists of Domain area and Core area. The Domain area (Trade Theory & Practical)
imparts professional skills and knowledge, while Core area (Employability Skills) imparts requisite
core skill, knowledge and life skills. After passing out the training program, the trainee is awarded
National Trade Certificate (NTC) by DGT which is recognized worldwide.
Trainee needs to demonstrate broadly that they are able to:
 Read and interpret technical parameters/ documentation, plan and organize work
processes, identify necessary materials and tools.
 Perform task with due consideration to safety rules, accident prevention regulations and
environmental protection stipulations.
 Apply professional knowledge & employability skills while performing the job and repair &
maintenance work.
 Check the job/ assembly as per drawing for functioning identify and rectify errors in job/
assembly.
 Document the technical parameter related to the task undertaken.

 PROGRESSION PATHWAYS:
 Can join industry as computer operator and will progress further as assistant programmer,
programmer and can rise up to the level of senior programmer.
 Can become Entrepreneur in the related field.
 Can join Apprenticeship programme in different types of industries leading to National
Apprenticeship certificate (NAC).
 Can join Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) in the trade for becoming instructor in ITIs.
 Can join Advanced Diploma (Vocational) courses under DGT as applicable.

COURSE STRUCTURE:
Table below depicts the distribution of training hours across various course elements
during a period of one year:

Course Element With Notional Training Hours :-

one year (Total 1200 hours)

1. Professional Skill (Trade Practical) 840 hours

2. Professional Knowledge (Trade Theory) 240 hours

3. Employability Skills 120 hours

4. On the Job Training (OJT)/ Group Project 150 hours

Every year 150 hours of mandatory OJT (On the Job Training) at nearby industry,
wherever not available then group project is mandatory.

Trainees of one-year or two-year trade can also opt for optional courses of up to 240 hours in
each year for 10th/ 12th class certificate along with ITI certification, or, add on short term
courses.

ASSESSMENT & CERTIFICATION
The trainee will be tested for his skill, knowledge, and attitude during the period of course
through formative assessment and at the end of the training programme through summative
assessment as notified by the DGT from time to time.
a) The Continuous Assessment (Internal) during the period of training will be done by Formative
assessment method by testing for assessment criteria listed against learning outcomes. The
training institute must maintain individual trainee portfolio as detailed in assessment guideline.
The marks of internal assessment will be as per the formative assessment template provided on
www.bharatskills.gov.in
b) The final assessment will be in the form of summative assessment. The All-India Trade Test for
awarding NTC will be conducted by Controller of examinations, DGT as per the guideline. The
pattern and marking structure are being notified by DGT from time to time. The learning outcome
and assessment criteria will be basis for setting question papers for final assessment. The
examiner during final examination will also check individual trainee’s profile as detailed in
assessment guideline before giving marks for practical examination.

PASS REGULATION:
For the purposes of determining the overall result, weightage of 100% is applied for six
months and one year duration courses and 50% weightage is applied to each examination for two
years courses. The minimum pass percent for Trade Practical and Formative assessment is 60% &
for all other subjects is 33%.

 ASSESSMENT GUIDELINE:
Appropriate arrangements should be made to ensure that there will be no artificial barriers
to assessment. The nature of special needs should be taken into account while undertaking
assessment. Due consideration should be given while assessing for teamwork,
avoidance/reduction of scrap/wastage and disposal of scarp/wastage as per procedure, behavioral
attitude, sensitivity to environment and regularity in training. The sensitivity towards OSHE and
self-learning attitude are to be considered while assessing competency.
Assessment will be evidence based comprising some of the following:
 Job carried out in labs/workshop
 Record book/ daily diary
 Answer sheet of assessment
 Viva-voce
 Progress chart
 Attendance and punctuality
 Assignment
 Project work
 Computer based multiple choice question examination
 Practical Examination
Evidence and records of internal (Formative) assessments are to be preserved until
forthcoming year examination for audit and verification by examination body.

JOB ROLE:

Computer Operator: operates computer and peripheral equipment to process business, scientific,
engineering, or other data, according to operating instructions. Enters commands, using keyboard
of computer terminal, and presses buttons and flips switches on computer and peripheral
equipment, such as tape drive, printer, data communications equipment, and plotter, to integrate
and operate equipment, following operating instructions and schedule. Loads peripheral
equipment with selected materials, such as tapes and printer paper for operating runs, or oversees
loading of peripheral equipment by Peripheral Equipment Operators. Enters commands to clear
computer system and start operation, using keyboard of computer terminal. Observes peripheral
equipment and error messages displayed on monitor of terminal to detect faulty output or
machine stoppage. Enters commands to correct error or stoppage and resume operations. Notifies
supervisor of errors or equipment stoppage. Clears equipment at end of operating run and reviews
schedule to determine next assignment. Records problems which occurred, such as down time,
and actions taken. May answer telephone calls to assist computer users encountering problem.
May assist workers in classifying, cataloguing, and maintaining tapes.
Programming Assistant: installs, maintains, and updates computer programs by making minor
changes and adjustments to them under the guidance of computing professionals. Maintains and
updates documents of computer programs and installations. Applies knowledge of principles and
practices in programming and computing in order to identify and solve problems arising in the
course of their work. They may receive guidance from managers or professionals. May supervise
other workers also.
Web Developer: Web Developer is responsible for designing and maintaining web-based
applications that include static and dynamic content. This includes the design, layout, and coding
of a website. They may work standalone or along with application/functional developers as part of
the overall solution that includes a web-based component.
User Interface Developer: I Developer is responsible for creating complex user interfaces for a
variety of applications, such as computer programs, databases, and websites.
Data Communication Analyst/Network Administrator: Data Communication Analyst researches,
tests, evaluates, and recommends data communications hardware and software: Identifies areas
of operation which need upgraded equipment, such as modems, fibre optic cables and telephone
wires. Conducts survey to determine user needs. Reads technical manuals and brochures to
determine equipment which meets establishment requirements. Visits vendors to learn about
available products or services. Tests and evaluates hardware and software to determine efficiency,
reliability, and compatibility with existing system, using equipment such as computer terminal and
modem. Analyses test data and recommends hardware or software for purchase. Develops and
writes procedures for installation, use, and solving problems of communications hardware and software. Monitors system performance. Trains users in use of equipment. Assists users to identify
and solve data communication problem. May write technical specifications to send to vendors for
bid. May oversee or assist in the installation of communications hardware. May perform minor
equipment repairs.

Reference NCO-2015: –
i) 4131.0600 – Computer Operator
i) 3514.0300 – Programming Assistant
ii) 2513.0101 – Web Developer
iii) 2513.0201 – User Interface Developer
iv) 2523.0100 – Data Communication Analyst/Network Administrator

Reference NOS:
i) SSC/N3022
ii) SSC/N0503
iii) SSC/N0501
iv) SSC/N9401
v) SSC/N9402
vi) SSC/N9403
vii) SSC/N9404
viii)SSC/N9405
ix) SSC/N9406
x) SSC/N9407

Thank you