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ICT Breakthrough for Business and Communities

A key strategic development for Calderdale, this project enables a “ladder of progression” to be created.  This will enable local people to access higher level skills and qualifications, and support current employers of local companies to improve their skills.

The project involves training, technology, advice and support.  It has three strands:

1. The Network Academy, of sub-regional importance, providing new higher-level skills and IT careers in the field of ICT networking building.
2. Community Access to Lifelong Learning through ICT.  This strand has created new community based ICT learning opportunities for the most disadvantaged groups in the area.
3. ICT Business Support is developing the understanding and application of information and communication technologies in small to medium sized businesses in the Action Halifax area.

This project receives funding through both the SRB and URBAN Programmes.

Working together…

The ICT Breakthrough Business Support strand has benefited many local businesses.  Paul Lomas from Flights of Fancy was supported to achieve the eDCC qualification which was a stepping stone to further in-depth IT training.

Nicola Kelliher from Goodwin Stevens Solicitors has made excellent progress with her bespoke ‘in-house’ IT course. Nicola achieved each level of the Word and Text Processing qualification, passing with distinction and receiving promotion within her office.  Nicola’s new-found confidence benefited the whole company and Nicola has more than compensated for the investment made in her; so much so that she now wishes to continue her training in order to fulfil her wish to become a secretary. 

Andy Steer from the company Collect@ has attended many of the 1 day Step Training courses over the past year.  Improving his computer skills, Andy has built a website which enables Collect@ to trade worldwide on the Internet.  

Nicola and Andy both received awards for their achievements from Calderdale College during Adult Learners Week. Both these companies were able to take advantage of the 75% discount given to SME’s for IT training.

Organisation responsible for running the project:
Calderdale Colleges
E-mail: JoanneP@calderdale.ac.uk