Our learners at Rushden Learning Centre

Val Ambler

“I wanted to know how to use Windows 7 and to get the full benefit out of it. I had a basic understanding of computers and sending emails but wanted more knowledge of the applications in order to get more enjoyment out of them. I heard about the learning centre through a friend who was undertaking the course at the time. I found the structure of the course suited my requirements with the flexible learning it meant I could choose when I came in to do my learning as I don’t do mornings.

I found the self-learning made me remember things more as I was actually working through it and making my own notes, it makes you more self reliant. I was never on my own though as there was always a tutor on hand to help me when I got stuck. The first assessment I did I was really nervous but when I did the second one although I was still nervous I knew what to expect.

Nothing was too much trouble for the tutors; they didn’t make me feel inferior. There was always a warm smile that greeted me when I came into the centre, which made me feel welcome. I had tried another computer course previously but it was such a cold atmosphere that I didn’t feel comfortable.”

Elizabeth Voss

ITQ Level 1, Word & Excel

Administrator for Serve

Kevin Bates

ITQ Level 1

Retired

I work for Serve which provides care and support for the elderly and disabled. I worked in care for Serve in the community. 10 years ago I became unwell and could no longer do the job I had in care, luckily my employer found me a role in the office and I was helped by my colleagues with any computer bits I couldn’t do. As I’m visually impaired up until now I have found computer work difficult. Although I was having help from my colleagues I still had missing bits that I couldn’t do myself and I knew that I needed to be more computer literate, and I wanted to do more than the basic databases.

I started the course at the end of January as I wanted to brush up on my skills as I have no formal office skills. I’ve definitely picked up lots already and the people here have been very helpful. I’m especially pleased that they set the screen up for me to a higher resolution before I arrive so I can easily see what I’m doing. I’ve found that very helpful and useful. They are very pleasant and very prompt in coming over to help when I get stuck.

My work colleague suggested to me to come here as she has already done a number of courses so it’s definitely been worthwhile for her. I do part time hours and I fit the course around my work. I’m getting more au fait with windows set up and how it works and so I think it’s definitely all been worth it.

My wife saw an ad for courses here at Rushden and at the time there was no joining fee. I hadn’t really used computers before and I wanted to broaden my horizons. I’ve enjoyed the courses and now I feel more confident to do what I need to do. Any new employer will now know I have the potential to do a whole lot more.

Part of the reason for my learning was that I wanted it to lead to something else away from the building trade. I want to be more aware of the modern world and new things. I’ve been for an interview today as a Security Site Supervisor and using IT came up in the interview. They were interested that I’m doing this course and they asked me if I would be happy to use my computer skills further for them and help them record data for their fire alarms, which I was happy to say yes to.

I’ve really enjoyed the course and the staff here have been really helpful. I’ve found that it fits in well with being selfemployed as there’s a lot of flexibility of hours to attend.