Digital Isle of Man Partners With Readynez To Offer 300 Free Places on a Digital Literacy Course

Digital Isle of Man has announced its partnership with Readynez, a digital training provider, to offer 300 free spaces on its First Steps Digital Literacy course, which is initially aimed at supporting the development of beginner to intermediate digital skills for Isle of Man residents.  The initial 300 spaces have been funded through the Isle of Man Government’s Economic Recovery Group.

The beginner’s course will cover various aspects of digital literacy including how to use search engines, how to protect devices and data, and the basics of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint). Participants will then have the option to progress on to an intermediate level course which will provide them with higher level use of the Office Suite, tips on how to communicate socially and professionally, and how to apply digital skills in a business context.

Lyle Wraxall, Chief Executive, Digital Isle of Man commented:

‘The demand for digital skills is a global challenge, and here in the Isle of Man the digital sector is growing rapidly, with digital transformation accelerating in every business sector and area of life. For our people to thrive in a connected economy and society, digital skills must be prioritised alongside literacy and numeracy skills, and we are very excited to be able to offer this course as a first step in our wider skills initiative and towards achieving greater digital confidence for all of our Island residents.

‘The courses are open to all and we encourage anyone who feels they may benefit developing their digital literacy skills to get in touch with us to find out more.’

Jason Crane, Learning Solutions Director for Readynez, continued:

‘We’re so proud to be given this opportunity to contribute in such a meaningful way to the community on the Isle of Man. Everything changes so fast these days and IT-literacy is a prerequisite for almost any job role. We feel strongly about digital skills development, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see how people’s lives are impacted by improved digital skills.

‘We know better than anyone how opportunities open up for both learners and employers from the training that we provide and it really is a privilege to help people make their dreams come true.  We are pleased to have Lorna Trevethan as our local Readynez representative on the Island, helping to lead digital skills development and learning.’

The First Steps digital literacy course is part of a wider skills initiative being developed by Digital Isle of Man with the aim of upskilling and reskilling our Island’s residents across all sectors.

Sarah Ennett, Digital Skills Project Manager for Digital Isle of Man, explains:

‘As the tech sector on the Island grows at a rapid pace, so do the number of exciting job roles available to our residents. Our aim is to empower those starting out on their career path and also anyone at any stage who is looking for a new challenge, by providing them with the tools they need to upskill or reskill.

‘We are working closely with a number of agencies, industry and third sector partners to maximise the potential of educational events and activities and encourage a culture of lifelong learning among our Island’s workforce and across all industries.

‘It is hoped that through initiatives such as the First Steps Digital Literacy programme, we can continue to make a positive impact to the ongoing success of both individuals and our local business community.’

It is recognised that not all persons who wish to join the course will have access to a computer or the internet. Digital Isle of Man and Readynez will be facilitating computer access at venues across the island and Paragon recruitment agency, where participants will benefit from support and guidance from members of a dedicated team. More details on this will be provided upon registration.

The courses are free and will be accessed through Readynez’s Online Learning Platform.  In order to register your interest please visit www.digitalisleofman.com/firststeps, contact: digital-skills@gov.im, or call Sarah on 687358 or Lorna on 0330 8087529.