Learners from across the Trafford borough gathered to celebrate their achievements at the latest Digital Skills graduation ceremony.
A range of people from all backgrounds, ages and genders have been taking part in digital skills courses run by Trafford Council and delivered by Xyrius Training.
The newly qualified group took part in a ceremony at Altrincham Town Hall.
Ranging from introductory courses to help people who struggle with technology to get online, to cybersecurity courses to help people stay secure, the digital skills courses aim to close the technology gap in the borough and give residents the necessary qualifications for work and life.
To be eligible for these free courses, participants need to be unemployed and aged over 19. At the graduation, people were presented with their certificates alongside either a tablet to take away, or a voucher which can be redeemed at many online and high-street retailers and outlets across the UK.
Over 175 people have now benefited from the digital skills initiative, which sees courses taught in the heart of communities to increase accessibility for everyone.
Dan Lucas is a Freelance Tutor with Xyrius Training, who has been delivering digital skills courses for the last year to people in Trafford.
“It’s been a really beneficial initiative that has helped people get involved and build their confidence around digital skills. I’ve seen people come through who lacked confidence and some with literacy and numeracy challenges, and it’s been fantastic to see people get that spark of confidence and help to close the digital skills gap.”
Christina Garrett, one of the learners who has recently completed her Level 2 and Level 3 Cybersecurity modules, and the Level 2 Digital Skills course, commented:
“The courses have been amazing, and have really helped me to improve my technical and computer skills. I was initially referred to the scheme by Trafford Carers, as I wanted to improve my ability with the Microsoft suite, particularly Excel. My goal now is to complete the Level 3 Digital Skills course, and then find a job which allows remote working to allow me to put my skills to use while continuing to care for my young children.”
Patricia Lennon, another participant who recently completed the Level 2 and Level 3 Cybersecurity modules and the Level 2 Digital Skills course, added:
“I have recently moved on to the Level 3 IT course, following my graduation from these two courses. I wanted to update my IT skills and found the modules really interesting. Danny is an awesome tutor, too.”
Councillor Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council said:
“It’s amazing to see so many people collecting their certificates and tablets and vouchers at the Digital Skills graduation. In an increasingly technological world, learning to do things online in a safe way is really important for everyone. These courses help to unlock the potential of people in Trafford who lack confidence in the digital space, and will hopefully help them to re-enter the job market with these new skills.”
Participants were also invited to attend jobs clubs and access additional support to help get them back into employment.
The courses are funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Adult Education Budget, which was devolved from central government in August 2019 and helps tens of thousands of adults in the city region to develop skills for life and work. Devolved control over adult skills has enabled Greater Manchester to introduce new flexibilities to make it easier for people to access the skills training they need, for example by providing access to certain courses free of charge for adults earning less than the national living wage.
Reports have cited that 75% of job openings at all levels require some form of digital skills, so being able to deliver this programme in Trafford makes a real difference to the employability of participants.
Councillor Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester’s Lead for Technical Education and Skills, said:
“These digital skills courses are making a real difference in our community. By offering accessible training, we're helping residents build confidence with technology and prepare for today's job market. These new skills will not only help them in their everyday lives but also in finding jobs. Well done to everyone who took part."
If you’re interested in digital skills courses, email skills@trafford.gov.uk or call or text 07971 034641 to find out more.