Over-50s to get free training in IT
- Posted:
- 12:10 30 Mar 2005
- Topics:
- IT Training & Qualifications | Computer Hardware Repair & Maintenance
Workers over the age of 50 in Greater London are to be
offered free IT training under a scheme designed to help small and
medium-sized firms improve their skills base.
The Mature People into IT programme aims to recruit 150 over-50s,
offering a range of practical training in subjects such as web
design, multimedia, the A-plus computer maintenance qualification
and the European computer driving licence.
The programme is designed to fill the skills gaps in older workers
who may have missed out on IT at school or university. It
recognises that as the population ages, firms will increasingly
need to rely on the skills of older workers.
Legislation to be introduced next year will place obligations on
employers not to discriminate against workers because of their age,
alongside existing sex and disability discrimination laws.
"If you are over 50 and have not done IT, you are at risk. People
need to work later in life. There are shortages in skills and there
are social and personal benefits in working later, not necessarily
full-time. To do that, IT skills are essential," said John
O'Sullivan, project director at E-Skills UK.
The London project, dubbed Mapit Extra, aims to encourage
participation from the leisure and hospitality sectors by offering
training in food hygiene and health and safety alongside IT skills.
However, workers in other sectors are also encouraged to apply. The
scheme is likely to be expanded to cover other parts of the country
later this year.
Candidates will be able to train during the day, in the evenings or
at weekends at Thames Valley University, City Lit, Merton College
or Lambeth College.
Wrinklies Direct, a specialist recruitment agency and lobby group
for older workers, will also be running a series of seminars for
small firms on age awareness.
Mapit said it has a high success rate at encouraging older workers
to keep their skills updated. Some 96% of those who trained on the
last Mapit project said they were keen to continue adding to their
skills.
Further information:
www.tvu.ac.uk/mapitextra
