person using a laptop computer

Include-IT Mersey

Include-IT Mersey is a project, jointly funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund as part of its 2014-2022 Building Better Opportunities Programme. It offers a personalised package of support to digitally excluded residents of the Liverpool City Region, who are out of work, to help improve their IT and online skills, confidence in using and practical access to digital technologies and, ultimately, support them towards and into employment.

The Programme

The programme is tailored to individual need and participants can work at their own pace.

  • Using a computer and online basics Keyboard and mouse use, email, internet basics
  • More internet skills Shopping, public services, banking & budgeting, etc
  • Finding a job online Job search, online application, Universal Jobsmatch
  • Online safety Keeping personal information secure online
  • Employability support Job search, CVs, applications, confidence building

Benefits of the course

  • Gain an Entry Level 3 IT qualification
  • FREE tablet on completion of the course
  • Get job-ready with employment support and guidance
  • Help towards travel costs and childcare

When does the course run?

Include-IT Mersey offer free basic IT skills and employability courses for Liverpool City Region residents aged 18 + who are not currently in work. The course offers people who are currently unemployed the opportunity to improve their computer skills, gain an Entry Level 3 IT qualification, and get job-ready with employment support and guidance, as well as a free tablet provided by Include-IT upon completion of course. Refreshments will also be provided. The course will be located in Greenbank College, Greenbank Lane, L17 1AG.

Please note that this course is for anybody who is currently unemployed, and due to the nature of this employment-focused course, we are unable to accommodate anybody who has entered retirement. This project is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) and The National Lottery Community Fund. The Include-IT Mersey project is managed by Sefton Council for Voluntary Service (CVS). For more information or to book your place on this course, please contact Chris, the Digital Skills and Employability Officer for Include-IT Mersey, on 07969312535, email on chris.otoole@greenbank.org.uk  or visit www.includeitmersey.org.uk.

Participants need to be:

  • Legally resident in UK and able to take paid employment in a European Union member state
  • Unemployed or Economically Inactive
  • Liverpool City Region resident
  • Deemed as being Digitally Excluded

Case Study

Christina and Clare gain confidence in their online job search skills

Christina, 57 and Clare, 53 are sisters who had worked in an office for most of their working life until they were made redundant. After a long break in employment, they decided they wanted to move back into the workplace. However, they realised that the working world had changed and the job market is now very dependant on technology and they would have to find employment by using the internet. Clare explained that “it has been quite daunting getting to grips with the new technology” and similarly Christina was concerned she didn’t have the computer skills to search for jobs online and felt she needed to end her “technophobia”.

Through the Include IT programme they have gained essential IT skills and confidence in using those skills to help them find work. They were referred to National Careers Service who supported them to produce a CV that will enable them to apply for jobs.

Christina said: “The tutor was very supportive, patient and enthusiastic for me to embrace new skills. My confidence has improved; it has broken my routine and made me focus.”

Clare said: “I didn’t know how to seek help in finding work, but I now realise that there is help available from so many different people and organisations.”

Both are now actively seeking and applying for jobs online and Clare is looking at further training courses to continue her progress towards finding work.

The Include-IT Mersey project is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.