Internet coaching is just the job

PEOPLE are being helped to find jobs thanks to a new initiative launched to give free coaching on computer and internet skills.

That’s just one of the benefits of The Digiteers Project, being run by Renfrewshire Leisure, who have recruited a team of volunteers to give one-to-one training to people who need help with basic IT skills, finding their way round the internet, emailing and using online job search engines.

The project is funded by the Scottish Library and Information Council and the coaching is held in local libraries over five, hour-long sessions.

There are already 14 volunteers signed up and The Digiteers’ volunteer coordinator, Anne Kemp, is looking for more people to come forward to pass on their IT skills.

Anne said: “We may be in our infancy, but already we are making an impact on people’s lives helping them find work. We’ve even showed someone who had just started their own business how best to invoice his customers online.
“But it’s not just people who are looking for a job who can benefit from The Digiteers project.
“Even if you just want to find out how to see and talk to the grandchildren – who may be living on the other side of the world – using Skype or Facetime, we’ll show you how to do that.”

Joyce McKellar, chief executive of Renfrewshire Leisure added: “This project shows that modern libraries are not just a place where you borrow books, but they have a role to play in tackling issues like digital exclusion. Our libraries play a wide educational and leisure role in our communities.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer to pass on their computer and internet skills to others, or if people want to learn more about these subject should call 0300 300 1188 or ask at their local library.