Achievements
Since opening our doors in June 2000, Shotton I.T. Centre has enrolled over 1500 adult members and in 2010 attracted a further 124 new members. This is primarily due to recommendations from our existing learners, who promote the quality of services within the Centre.
The Centre holds the prestigious Investors in People accreditation and we are rightly proud of achieving this standard through all of the hard work carried out by staff and volunteers alike.
European Computer Driving Licence
In July 2004, through its Learndirect status, the Centre became a City & Guilds Test Centre for adult Numeracy and Literacy and in 2006 became an independent Test Centre in its own right.
The 100th learner at the centre has passed her City & Guilds Certificate at Level 2 in adult Literacy. Hayley Chalmers thanked staff after gaining the qualification and said it helped her to find a new job.
Since opening, the Centre has provided placements for 8 New Deal workers, supplied by DISC (Developing Initiatives Supporting Communities).
Each placement lasts for six months and on completion of their time with us, 5 have gained employment and 2 have gone into further education.
Shaun Hadley, the Centre’s most recent New Deal placement went on to full time employment with Durham Sixth Form College and said “I needed the experience of a working environment, which the Centre provided. Working face to face with different age groups helped boost my confidence and helped me gain employment.”
Learners’ Stories
Debra Sturge
I came into the I.T. Centre because I needed Level 2 qualifications in Literacy and Numeracy to further my career. After having my skills levels checked, I did a couple of courses to improve my weak areas, I then took the City & Guilds tests and achieved Level 2 in both subjects. This has enabled me to enrol on the Higher Level Teaching Assistant course at Sunderland University. The best thing about the Centre is that you can work at your own pace, so I was able to reach my goals very quickly.
Dick Ford
Following the successful operation on my eyes for the removal of cataracts, I found the words “Thank you” totally inadequate for the hospital and staff. Currently I am faced with a similar problem, how do I thank the staff at the I.T. Centre for opening up a whole new world for me to explore?
Colin Eilbeck
I started coming to Shotton I.T. Centre after being made redundant. My self esteem was very low and I was lacking in confidence, so I decided to do a course on basic I.T. Following that, I became interested in improving my Maths and English and have since gained Level 2 qualifications in both Literacy and Numeracy, which has boosted my confidence 100%. So much so, that I have progressed to a Plumbers’ course at the local college and hope eventually to become self-employed in this field.
When I come into the Centre there is always a warm welcome and a friendly face and this has helped make my learning easier.