A group of learners attended a celebration event at the North West Resource Centre yesterday (Tuesday 12 July). Council Leader, Ronnie Nicholson and deputy Leader, Ted Thompson presented the each learner with a certificate following the completion of a brand new digital learning course.
Introductory courses called ‘first steps’ and ‘next steps’ are run at North West to teach people the basics of using computers. Following these courses, the next course should be attended at the college. However, learners expressed that they didn’t have the confidence to attend the college and would prefer to learn in their own community.
Therefore, the Council has been working in partnership with the college to develop this course which addressed more than just learning digital skills. The council worked with the college to bring the course to the North West Resource Centre. On completion of the course, learners gained an industry recognised qualification from the British Computer Society (BCS).
Based on the success of this pilot, the Council and college are already another two groups undertaking this course at the North West Resource Centre with another two starting shortly.
Depute Leader, Ted Thompson said “As a former trainer I was delighted to see a renewal of partnership working between our Council and Dumfries and Galloway College which benefits individuals within our communities. I am proud that we have assisted this group of learners in achieving this qualification. There had been a challenges for our community but by working together, we have found solutions. It means that this group can attend courses locally in an environment where they are comfortable learning. This flexible approach has produced such good results that we already have another two groups carrying out the course at the moment with another two lined up. The British Computer Society Digital Skills course enables learners to achieve qualifications which enhances their employability opportunities and shows that whatever your background there are no barriers to learning. Well done to all of those involved.”
Iain Hawker, Head of Faculty at Dumfries and Galloway College said “The partnership has been a very successful journey for the staff involved and enabled the college to delivery an industry recognised qualification in the community directly to the learners where they can access it locally.”
The learners receiving the award were: Jim Hiddleston, Ayesha Coupland, Gordon Hush, Brian Heads, Elma Kirkpatrick, Arezki Djebra, Jeanette Byers, Moira Haggarty and Moira Saville.
If you are interested in finding out more about this qualification please contact the North West Resource Centre on 01387 279279 or pop in to the centre to speak to one of the team.
