Digital Skills Pathway helps Wyre Forest residents thrive online
News release issued:
A course that teaches digital skills to Wyre Forest residents to help them find jobs is thriving.
The Digital Skills Pathway is a course that forms part of the Building Brighter Futures programme. It is delivered by UNITY at Community Housing and was given a grant by Wyre Forest District Council. The grant is funded by UK government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Taking half a day per week for six weeks, the course currently runs several times a year. It covers a range of key skills to help participants become more confident when using their phones and computers.
It has proven invaluable for residents across the Wyre Forest district, teaching them how to spot online scams, use online banking, and apply for jobs.
During the 2024/25 period, the programme is on course to support 20 people in gaining a qualification or completing a course.
One success story is Esther Smart who, after completing the course, received her certificate at a recent celebration event. Esther not only gained digital skills but also a significant boost of confidence which helped her secure a new job as a passenger assistant.
“I had agoraphobia and was at home for three years. Before the course, I was considering a job where I wouldn’t have to speak because I was too afraid of people,” Esther shared.
“On the Digital Skills Pathway course, I met nice people and interacted again. The confidence it gave me helped me to get a job that I absolutely love!”
Esther previously used her phone but not to its full capacity, adding, “there are so many features on our devices that we don’t know how to use, and everything is online, like online banking. The course was fantastic as it covered all things online. It reminded me of things I had forgotten and increased my awareness.”
The skills that she gained were crucial to securing her new job. Esther said, “I had to apply for this job online, which was not easy.”
“As a passenger assistant, I help provide transportation for adults with special educational needs and disabilities by picking them up from their homes. I can’t explain the joy I get from helping people get where they need to go safely; it’s so rewarding!”
“My payslip is online, and I wouldn’t have been able to access it without this course.”
“It’s a little boost of confidence that life is never over and that it’s never too late to learn and change. There are more people like me who would benefit greatly from this course. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without it.”
Another participant, Gillian Mann, also collected her certificate of completion and has gained confidence that’s helping her find a new career.
Gillian said, “In the world of work now, job applications are all online.”
“I had been given some information at the job centre about UNITY, who could help me with my digital skills. I started on the Digital Skills Pathway.”
“Doing the course with other beginners and intermediate computer users who want to learn more and become more digitally confident was really good, as we could share ideas. I’ve learned skills that I wasn’t confident with and hadn’t used before.”
“It makes me more confident when seeking jobs. The two ladies who were teaching us were very patient, clear and helpful.”
Diana Hurp, Team Leader at UNITY, added:
“Our dedicated team of Job Coaches are proud to support Esther, Gillian, and all participants with personalised advice and training to help them secure sustainable employment and enhance their career prospects.”
“Thanks to UK government funding through Wyre Forest District Council, we can offer this valuable service which is greatly appreciated by residents across Wyre Forest.”
Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, said:
“It’s important that we do all that we can to help to build a brighter future for all residents across the district.”
“We’re delighted to support the programme run by UNITY at Community Housing to help deliver that vision so successfully which not only helps the individuals taking part, but also the wider community moving forwards.”
For more information on the Building Brighter Futures programme visit the Community Housing website or call 01562 733133.
