Increasing popularity of Vale community learning service's computer courses
The increasing popularity of computer courses offered by the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Community Learning Service has been highlighted at a special presentation evening.
Presenting certificates to adult learners to mark last year's successes, Vale cabinet member for education and training Cllr Nigel Gibbs revealed that, currently, 109 learners were enrolled on the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) course - an increase of 28 per cent on the previous year - and 29 on a Computer Literacy and Information Technology (CLAIT) course. Seventeen individuals have completed their ECDL advanced course.
"More and more people are becoming aware of the quality of the teaching and learning in the Vale," said Cllr Gibbs.
ECDL and CLAIT classes are held at community learning centres at Palmerston (Barry) and Cowbridge Community College, and schools in Llantwit Major, Barry and Penarth. In addition, classes are held at local village halls through the use of laptops.
The ECDL is an internationally recognised qualification and the fastest growing IT user qualification in more 125 countries.
Presenting the certificates at the Palmerston venue, Cllr Gibbs said: "The Vale Adult and Community Learning Service is now delivering the ECDL qualification for a seventh year.
"ICT is increasingly important for everyone to learn skills and gain qualifications. The council is committed to helping individuals gain the skills they need."
The community learning service caters for people of all ages, highlighted by the fact that six of this year's learners are over 70 years of age.
Cllr Gibbs added: "The service also makes full use of the wonderful equipment available in the Barry and Cowbridge libraries to hold revision sessions."
For more information on the variety of computer courses available at various levels from beginners to advanced across the Vale, contact Cowbridge Community College on (01446) 773831.
Caption: Adult learners from across the Vale of Glamorgan have been presented with European Computer Driving Licence and Computer Literacy and Information Technology certificates at Palmerston Community Learning Centre at Barry where they were joined by tutors, cabinet member for education and training Cllr Nigel Gibbs and head of lifelong learning Dave Prosser.