Game-Changing IT Scheme Reboots Job Prospects

A Salvation Army centre in Gorseinon, Swansea, is helping unemployed people connect to the digital world in their search for work. Thanks to donations of computers and devices from businesses, The Salvation Army donation centre in Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer, is hosting Connection Booth training sessions run by the organisation’s Employment Plus service.

According to Ofcom’s 2022 Digital Exclusion report, millions of people in the UK are not connecting online due to lack of accessibility, affordability and ability. Among those most excluded are those ‘that are not working’.

‘The Connection Booth scheme is a game-changer,’ says Lea Blackwell of Employment Plus. ‘Despite the increasing move to digital, so many people don’t know how to switch on a computer or use a smartphone. This puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to applying for work. From one-off sessions to longer-term courses, the project will help people improve their job prospects.’

A number of participants are also gaining valuable work experience by volunteering at the donation centre.

‘By having free-to-use computers in store, we are able to support homeless people – and those who use our food share – to gain access to the internet,’ says donation centre manager Gareth Thomas.

Connection Booth sessions runs on Thursday mornings, is free of charge and open to everyone.

Keep up to date on the donation centre’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SwanseaDC