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Computer Course with a difference
Neath Guardian, October 2004
Recovering addicts have gained valuable qualification from a unique project which aims to get them back into the workplace.
The West Glamorgan Council for Alcohol and Drug Abuse has been working in partnership with other projects from the area to provide intensive vocational courses for its clients.
The recent computer course offered clients the chance to build their own computer from scratch.
The two week course was organized in collaboration with New Learning Network’s Local Action Centre in Aberdulais and Truing Point’s Progress to Work scheme was held at Llangatwg Comprehensive School.
Grace Davies, development manager at Aberdulais Local Action Centre, said: “We had been working with WGCADA and a couple of people said they were interested in computers.
“So we designed a course where they would initially build a computer and then use it to write their CVs.”
Members then got to keep the computers they had built and received a certificate at the end.
But Carl Williams, team leader with the Progress to Work scheme said it wasn’t just this incentive that gave the course its full attendance.
“Although we have incentives to encourage people to come on the course, it’s hoped people stayed on it because they were enjoying it,” he said.
Mr Williams added the project had also secured funding to give members attending a gym course free gym equipment.
Courses such as these in Wales are leading the way in Britain.
On client, who attended the computer course and must remain anonymous, said she gained valuable skills from it.
“Nobody wanted to go home at the end of the day,” said the mother, who is in her forties and lives in Neath.
“There was always somebody on hand to advise you about going back to work.
“And we go to keep the end product which was really exciting.”
She added: “As well as building our own computers, we’re building the confidence we thought we’d lost.” |
