A group of learners in Newcastle are celebrating after completing a course that’s help them to boost their digital skills and open up new opportunities.
The 18 participants, none of whom had English as their first language, took part in an eight-week digital inclusion course, delivered by Get Online Newcastle for learners moving on from the Wise Group’s Wellness and Tech Programme.
Through the training sessions, held at the City Library, they have been able to improve their digital skills and their confidence to enable them to continue their learning.
Many are now taking part in taster sessions for Step Into Employment programmes, offered by Newcastle City Learning, focusing on a range of roles and sectors, from catering and hospitality, early years, teaching assistant, health and social care and green industries.
Two of the learners are returning as volunteers to help the next cohort of participants who will be taking part in the eight-week digital inclusion training and others have already enrolled on further digital learning programmes or volunteer training.
All those who completed the course received their own tablet, which enables them to get online and gives access to BorrowBox, through which they can download free e-books and audio books and magazines.
A group of the learners have also joined the library’s Digital Reading for Wellbeing programme and continue to meet each week at the City Library as part of this group.
Chima Ughabugo, digital skills tutor at the Wise Group said: “Gaining digital skills has been truly life-changing for many learners. Through this collaboration with Get Online Newcastle and the City Library participants have not only built confidence in using technology but have also applied their new skills in meaningful ways, whether it’s searching for jobs, managing finances or staying connected with family.
“The success of this partnership highlights the power of digital inclusion, not just for individuals but for the wider community.
“Seeing learners grow and even express interest in supporting future cohorts is a testament to the lasting impact we’re creating together.”
Lisa King, Get Online Newcastle team manager at Newcastle City Council, said: “This is about helping people to develop digital skills that will help them in everyday life and in being able to take up further learning and employment opportunities.
“We’ve had really positive feedback from the learners who said they had enjoyed the course and we’re delighted to see that so many of them are keen to continue their learning through a range of different options that are now available to them.”