27th July 2007
Move over ageing pop stars The Zimmers, a 74 year-old from Tiptree, Ron Woolener, has decided its time to show what his generation can do as far as the computer revolution is concerned. Two months ago he enrolled on a ‘Switch On’ computer course at TBG Learning in Portal House, Southway, and is improving his computer skills as he works towards his 1st qualification since school.
“My daughter bought me a computer but it sat at home like an ornament so I decided to do something about it. With the course here you’re not pushed, you go at your own speed which I like. I knew nothing before I started and what I’m aiming for is to be able to send email and surf the net. I’d also like to type a letter, which I’m learning to do as part of the word processing part of the course,” said Ron, who was an engineer with Anglia Water before retiring 10 years ago.
“My three grand children run rings round me as far as computers are concerned and it pushes me onto learn more. As you get older you’ve still got to move with the times and I’m really enjoying this. If I get my teeth into something I don’t let it go”, he added.
Ron attends the Learndirect suite, where there are 10 computers for people of any age to attend and follow courses online, with the help of IT tutors. A booking system means that learners write in the diary when they are planning to next attend, so that they can be sure a computer is free to use. This also gives them flexibility and most learners complete the ‘Switch On’ basic introduction course in 10 hours and the ‘Using Your Computer’ course for beginners in a month.
For those who already have some computer skills, the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), highly regarded by employers, can be attained though the Centre. Two learners following this are Frances Ross and Sue Chaney from Colchester (pictured) and other learners include employees from local companies in Colchester.
Sue Chaney, aged 57, started from scratch when she first came to TBG Learning two years ago. She says:
“Computers aren’t going to go away and I didn’t want to get left behind. They are really helpful here and there’s no pressure. I’ve also met some really nice people of my age range and in a similar position. The course has paid off because I’ve been helping to produce a newsletter for the RAF Association and I’ve had no complaints!”
All levels of computer courses are available at TBG Learning, which welcomes people of all ages and abilities. The ‘Switch On’ and ‘Using your computer’ courses cost just £25 which includes a text book, the help from two IT Tutors at the Centre, the entrance exam for the qualification – and the certificate. The ECDL course has eight modules each costing from £32 and learners can pay for one module at a time. The Centre is open from 9am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 4.30pm.
Telephone 01206 366341 for further information, call into TBG Learning, Portal House, 27 Southway, Colchester CO2 7BA or see www.tbglearning.com.