We have launched a programme to improve the digital skills of the district’s residents and tackle the issue of digital exclusion. The Essential Digital Skills development programme aims to help Winchester district residents of all ages and circumstances overcome challenges they may be facing, build resilience, improve confidence and gain support in developing critical digital skills.

This includes: helping older generations feel more connected to the digital age; improving all residents’ lives through enabling access to education, employment and volunteering opportunities; and supporting the move into higher quality jobs and further training opportunities within the district.

The project is being delivered in partnership with Hampshire-based digital training specialists WorkAdvisor Ltd. They are offering tailored one-to-one sessions, workshops and are running Microsoft Office-accredited courses. Residents taking part will be using refurbished laptops to build the confidence they need to better understand digital platforms.

The Essential Digital Skills development programme has received £50,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

To find out more and register for a one-to-one or group workshop, or to refer a friend or relative:

Email info@workadvisor.co.uk

Call    02381 550223

Click here for the website

 

Here are some of the residents who have already gone through the Essential Digital Skills programme:

Elaine, from South Wonston, was anxious about using technology as this was something her husband use to do for her when he was alive. Since his passing Elaine wanted to become confident with shopping online, banking and using the NHS app herself, as well as using the internet to communicate with her loved ones. Our Essential Digital Skills team provided Elaine with digital skills training by spending time with her to show her how to send messages and photos to family using online platforms and email. Elaine can now communicate confidently online, including video calling. She is able to independently shop and emails her family more frequently. Her confidence has increased thanks for our Essential Digital Skills programme.

 

Isma arrived in Winchester from Syria as a refugee when she was pregnant just before COVID hit. She struggled throughout lockdowns as she lacked confidence in her digital skills. With her children now in school, Isma wanted to return to work and ensure that she was employable with the appropriate understanding of Microsoft Office. Our Essential Digital Skills team has spent time with Isma updating her CV, teaching about Microsoft Office suite and how to organise documents within Google Drive. To support this process, she was provided a laptop to loan and was set up on a funded self-paced learning Microsoft Office course. Isma now feels more confident, has a CV that is ready to go and is actively applying for jobs.

 

Tom is a semi-retired carpenter and due to illness wanted to evolve his business by “getting off the tools” and into buying and selling of carpentry tools online. Tom reached out to our Essential Digital Skills team who have introduced him to online selling platforms. He has been given some top tips on how to use the camera on his smart phone, edit store and then upload to the selling platforms. Tom is now selling tools online and able to keep digital records of income and expenses and reports to HMRC.

 

Sally was referred to our Essential Digital Skills programme through our partnership with the Winchester Job Centre (DWP). She was unemployed and looking for full time employment in the care sector but struggled with job sites, online applications and didn’t have a laptop at home so had to apply on her smartphone, which she found difficult. We loaned her a laptop and showed her how to use it so she could manage reviewing and tailoring her CV, using jobsites and filling out forms and applications questionnaires. For one of the roles she applied for a lengthy online assessment was required. Following the online assessment Sally was offered a face-to-face interview and was able to secure the position in the care sector.

Our third Winchester District Jobs & Opportunities Fair took place on Wednesday 4 September 2024 at the Middle Brook Centre. The 310 attendees had access to 37 stalls provided by local employers from across the Winchester District offering jobs, volunteering, apprenticeships, careers advice and training opportunities - in addition to this, our third event also included mental health and wellbeing support and advice.

Our second Winchester District Jobs & Opportunities Fair took place on Thursday 23 November 2023,  at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park. The 300 attendees visited 37 stalls provided by local employers from across the Winchester District offering jobs, volunteering, apprenticeships, careers advice and training opportunities - in addition to this, our second event also included cost of living information, support and advice.

Our first Winchester District Jobs & Opportunities Fair took place on Friday 24 February 2023,  at Winchester Sport and Leisure Park. The 250 attendees visited 37 stalls provided by local employers from across the Winchester District offering jobs, volunteering, apprenticeships, careers advice and training opportunities. 

To find out about future events contact Emily Reason, our Sector Project Officer, at ereason@winchester.gov.uk.

The event was run in partnership with Winchester Jobcentre and supported employers across a range of sectors with filling vacancies.

• Hampshire Futures provides a wide range of adult and community learning opportunities. You can find out more about developing your computer skills or learning opportunities in libraries.
• The National Careers Service has lots of information on different types of learning. You can even search for courses and training in your area.
• Free adult education courses are widely available in a range of subjects including English, Maths and IT. Find out more about further education courses and funding or search for courses on the National Careers Service website.
• You can find lots of skills bootcamps where you can learn new skills here.

Spending time doing unpaid work placements or volunteering is a great way to get ahead and find a job. New experiences in different workplaces can help you decide what you really want to do as well as showing potential employers your commitment to work. It is also a great way to refresh or learn new skills and make contacts that could lead to future employment.

 Community First: Winchester offer volunteering opportunities across the district. Many organisations have volunteer programmes offering one-off or regular opportunities for volunteers. Alternatively, if an organisation particularly interests you, contact them directly to find out what opportunities they offer.

Hampshire County Council, Royal Hampshire County Hospital and Winchester Churches Night Shelter are among the many local organisations offering volunteering opportunities.

No matter what career you’re interested in, there’s likely to be an apprenticeship for you. You can view all types of apprenticeships on GOV.UK.

Career starter apprenticeships

The apprenticeship service has chosen some existing apprenticeships they think are perfect first jobs. These are called career starter apprenticeships.

If you cannot find a career starter apprenticeship that you like, you can search all apprenticeships as most apprenticeships are excellent first steps to take after you leave school.

View career starter apprenticeships to see what's available.

After your apprenticeship

You could get a job with your current employer after your apprenticeship. They might like to hire you because they trained you and know you can do the job well.

You could also:

• find a new job with a different employer
• go to university or start another type of higher education
• do another apprenticeship at a higher level
• volunteer to get more experience which can help you get a job

You can watch videos of real apprentices talking about their experiences, including what they did after their apprenticeship.

Levels of apprenticeships

You’ll earn a qualification from your apprenticeship.

The 4 different apprenticeship levels are:

• intermediate: level 2
• advanced: level 3
• higher: level 4 or 5
• degree: level 6 or 7

Apprenticeships also have equivalent educational levels listed on GOV.UK. For example, a level 3 apprenticeship is considered the same level of qualification as 2 or 3 A levels.

The Apprenticeship & Skills Partnership

The Apprenticeship & Skills Partnership have put together a 'Become an Apprentice' information page, here. They can also help individuals find apprenticeship training and answer any questions regarding applications or finding apprenticeship opportunities across Hampshire and Surrey.

When you are ready to find a paid job, here is some helpful information:

• The Winchester Job Centre can help you find a position through their tailored support and guidance to find local positions and opportunities
• Findjob is a government site where you can search positions that are currently available.