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Learning skills for the future

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(L-R) Ben, Max and Phoenix with volunteer Ivan Holland and Digital Transformation Officer Simon Charnock at the code club, in Clayton Brook

Youngsters in Chorley are setting themselves up with skills for the future and Chorley Council is looking to recruit volunteers to help run even more sessions.

Children in Clayton Brook have been having fun at ‘code club’, which has been teaching them the basics of coding to build basic computer games and animations.

It is part of Chorley Council’s drive to improve the digital skills of people of all ages whether you are eight or 80.

Councillor Adrian Lowe, who is responsible for digital transformation, said: “It’s important people whether they are young or old are developing their digital skills because more and more things are being done online or on tablets and mobile devices.

“For the youngsters they are generally a whizz on this type of stuff because they’ve grown up with it from a very early age so the important thing for them is to develop that interest in things such as coding, which will be fundamental skills in the jobs people will be doing in years to come.

“For adults its more about making sure people are familiar with using the internet because there are so many opportunities that can be opened up by going online – whether it’s saving money on utility bills, accessing health and other public services online or staying in touch with friends and family that they don’t get to see very often.”

The council has been running a range of digital skills sessions but it wants to recruit more volunteers to make sessions sustainable and so they can be rolled out even further across the borough. This includes volunteers to assist with the running of further code clubs, as well as volunteers to provide 1-1 or small group basic digital support to residents in housing schemes and other venues across the Chorley Borough. All volunteers will receive training and continued support from the Council.

It is also keen to hear from those who want to improve their digital skills so they can take part in sessions looking at everything from the very basics through to becoming knowledgeable with mobile devices and online security.

“We’re really pleased by the take up we’ve had so far because not having digital skills can be a real disadvantage and leave people isolated or unable to get a job and we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to learn, said Councillor Lowe.

“The courses cover everything from basic beginner sessions on how to use computers and the internet, to how to make the most of tablet devices and many things in between including; online safety, preventing identity theft online and how to use job searching sites and universal credit online.

“If you would be keen to take part in a course or would like to volunteer for some of the sessions please contact us on 01257 515151 or email getonline@chorley.gov.uk

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