Argos to run digital skills workshops
Argos has teamed up with digital skills charity Go ON UK to help some of the 9.5 million people in the UK who are still not online by offering training courses.
In a statement issued today, the retailer said up to 10,000 people will be given training and a tablet to help them communicate, connect and develop the digital skills needed to feel confident online.
The Argos Internet Workshops will involve specially trained store staff helping participants to learn the basics of how to use a tablet, connect to and surf the internet, use a search engine, set up email, and stay safe online. The workshops will run from 25 October through to mid-January 2015 in 120 areas across the UK.
The retailer pointed to research released earlier this year from OFCOM which shows that the number of adults using tablets specifically to go online has almost doubled year-on-year from 24% to 44%, with those in older age groups finding them particularly accessible.
John Walden, chief executive of Argos owner Home Retail Group, said: “The digital revolution continues apace, however, millions remain on the side-lines. Argos Internet Workshops have been developed to help people overcome the barriers of access and affordability and improve their knowledge, understanding and confidence in digital technology.
“The internet is becoming increasingly essential in day-to-day life, and offers a world of new possibilities that we believe everyone should be able to access.”
Baroness Lane-Fox, chair of digital skills charity Go ON UK, added: “As many areas of everyday life become ‘digital by default’, with a number of government and business services becoming accessible only online, we need to ensure that everyone has the digital skills needed to participate in our evolving digital age.
“Access, affordability and skills have all been cited as key barriers to bringing people online and this fantastic initiative from Argos is exactly the type of programme we need to help people become more confident with technology.”
