IT Training
A division of Southampton’s largest homelessness charity The Society of James, our primary aim at Jamie’s Computers is to provide meaningful occupation to socially excluded adults in Southampton, many of whom have been homeless.
The provision of meaningful occupation – giving people something meaningful to do – has been recognised as an important factor in breaking the revolving door syndrome of homelessness. It helps an individual to build confidence and self-esteem, as well as develop new skills.
Although the ultimate aim for many people will be paid employment, for most of our learners, pre-vocational life-skills training and confidence building activities are important in the short term.
Jamie’s Computers provides a host of activities, at a variety of levels and requiring different amounts of time commitments to meet the needs of a diverse range of people.
What’s on offer at Jamie’s?
- Access to our computer suite for individual computer use
- Courses and workshops
- OCN accredited qualifications
- Work-based-training schemes
- Peer-mentoring programs
- Work placements
Computer Suite
Kitted out with high quality refurbished computers with the latest software, our computer suite is available for private use by our service users all day on Friday. Many of our clients use this time to connect with the world via e-mail, Facebook and forums. Other learners surf the Net, some engage in private online learning, and one learner is even writing a book!
Staff are always available to lend a helping hand and learners have access to kitchen facilities and refreshments.
More than 600 individuals have benefitted from this service over the past 5 years!
Courses, Workshops & OCN Accreditation
This year, Jamie’s is running the Supporting People Access Promotion Project. Jamie's will be working with service-users to create a new website explaining and showcasing Supporting People services in Southampton.
The Project is funded by Southampton City Council’s Supporting People programme and is accessible to those currently using Supporting People services. Over the duration of the project learners will work in teams and will complete accredited Open College Network (OCN) modules that will lead to a qualification. These modules include Using Teamwork Skills, Using ICT and Computer Systems, Selecting Information Using the Internet, Using Graphics Software and Understanding Active Citizenship in the Local Community.
Delivery of this project started in late October and will continue until August 2009. We’re still recruiting learners and are particularly looking to work with those with limited IT skills.
You can follow learner progress for this project on Facebook.
More than 350 learners have been engaged in previous courses and workshops run by Jamie’s, and we expect this project to engage quite a few more!
Work-Based-Training Schemes
Jamie’s currently runs 13 week pre-employment programmes in our warehouse and refurbishment workshop. As some of our clients have been out of the employment market for many years, they have often lost confidence and their skills are outdated. To combat this, our work-based-training schemes are designed to increase confidence and self-esteem, as well as develop the skills needed for the workplace.
Our unique training programmes enable trainees to get involved in all aspects of the work from collection rounds to stock control, and data wiping to installing operating systems. All placements start with health and safety training, and then work alongside peer mentors, trained staff and an experienced supervisor as they learn the ropes and begin to flourish in this environment.
We have hosted work-based-training schemes for more than 40 individuals.
Peer Mentoring
Some of our trainees become so skilled at what they’re doing that they can also assist in the training and development of others. We recognise this achievement by awarding peer mentor status to these outstanding individuals. Some of our peer mentors stay on work placements for an extended time, enabling them to build further work experience.
Work Placements
A number of our trainees have moved onto paid employment with Jamie’s Computers, and two of the individuals remain with us today! Opportunities to be employed by Jamie’s Computers are rare, but when they do arise they offer a further progression for individuals training with us.