Last week, we had the pleasure of having the newly appointed Director of the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program, Tony Roberts, and the Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) representatives Bernie, Jo, and Janine at our training site in Gosnells.

During the site visit, Centacare CEO Lee-Anne Phillips, SEE Program Manager Pauline Beck, and Site Coordinator Anne Mahon greeted DESE representatives at the reception with a brief tour around the training site, including the gallery, library, computer lab, breakout area and classrooms. Towards the end of the tour, the group joined clients in the Digital Literacy class.

Lee-Anne Phillips addressed the group by introducing the Digital Literacy program – Computer Skills for Work course, the students, and SEE teacher Rachel Yesuratnam. The Computer Skills for Work is a free course that allows clients to gain confidence and develop digital skills to find work or go on further study.

One student, Emily Douglas, spoke out about her experience in the Digital Literacy course and extended appreciation to DESE representatives for the SEE Program funding.

“I’ve learnt so much ever since I got here. It has really helped us to find jobs and create resumes that employers are looking for. We also appreciate having teachers like Rachel show us the step-by-step process. Whether it is computer learning or getting ready for job skills, without the funding and help, we will all be lost so thank you,” she said.

“It is great for us to be able to see that you are all enjoying it. That is very important to us. Thank you,” Bernie responded.

Lee-Anne then introduced Paul, who was previously a Digital Literacy student and transitioned to our Volunteer Program due to his desire to help other students. When Paul first started the Digital Literacy course, he quickly picked up on the program and found himself going around the class to offer assistance to his classmates. Centacare staff recognise his contribution and offered him the opportunity to join the Volunteer Tutor Program.

“We are very appreciative that we have Paul to help with students, he is a great asset to Centacare,” Rachel said.

The tour ended with a morning tea where further discussion about the SEE Program ensued.

To find out more about Centacare’s Digital Literacy program, Computer Skills for Work click here.