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Bridge the Digital Divide for free!

17 May 2010

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, has announced the introduction of free ICT classes for anyone wishing to improve their computer skills.

As part of the Department for Employment and Learning’s Essential Skills provision, ICT Entry Level classes will be available free of charge to anyone in Northern Ireland from 1 August 2010.

Commenting on the announcement, Sir Reg said: “The need to equip our people with ICT skills is central to my Department’s drive towards building a cutting-edge workforce for Northern Ireland.  In today’s employment market, very few jobs remain that are untouched by technology.  It is for this reason that computer literacy has become as important as reading and writing to employer and employee alike.”  

The initiative follows on from the Department for Employment and Learning’s launch of ICT as the third Essential Skill in 2009 and fulfils a need articulated by the Education and Training Inspectorate, Sector Skills Councils, Trade Unions, Colleges and learners that the absence of Entry Level qualifications is a barrier to ICT learning.  The announcement also coincides with two further initiatives, Adult Learners’ Week and Silver Surfers Day’, which aim to promote learning to everyone, irrespective of age.

The Minister continued: “The introduction of free Entry Level ICT classes means that anyone can improve their computer literacy.  Those who have previously felt isolated by a lack of computer skills will now be given the opportunity to join classes at their local college which will open up a new world of learning.”

The Minister also highlighted how ICT skills can help enrich life outside the workplace.  He said: “Technology reaches every part of our lives, whether when communicating, shopping, banking or even socialising.  Indeed, many of the services that we avail of on a daily basis are now accessible on-line and are a measure of how ICT has become central to today’s way of life.  Through free ICT provision, we can ensure that no-one is left behind.”    

If you would like to improve your ICT skills, why not visit your local College or visit www.knowhowNi.info external link.   For further information on free classes in your area, or if you would like to speak to a Careers Adviser about ICT and your career plans, contact the Department for Employment and Learning's Careers Advisers atyour local Careers Resource Centre, Job Centre or Jobs and Benefits office.  Alternatively, log onto www.careersserviceni.com external link or visit the employment section on www.nidirect.gov.uk external link .

Notes to editors:

  1. The introduction of free ICT Entry Level courses, to be provided by the Further Education sector, will allow learners over the age of 16 to access a suite of accredited ICT courses.
  2. Friday 21 May is Silver Surfers’ Day and is the biggest national campaign to promote use of digital technologies by older people.  It is run by Digital Unite and was started in 2002.
  3. Adult Learners’ Week is the UK's largest and longest running learning campaign. Held each May, it encourages thousands of adults, whatever their age and background, to give learning a go. This year, thousands of interesting events and activities are taking place from 15 – 21 May 2010.
  4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Employment and Learning Communications Branch on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.