The modern working world is very dependent on technology. A majority of job applications, interviews and even jobs themselves are hosted online. Being technologically literate is a huge advantage when it comes to securing or even finding work.
Our goal at Emmaus SLC is to prepare our Companions to gain work independently and eventually move on from us. That is why one of the skills we teach our Companions is to understand the basics of navigating the Internet as well as how to use computers and smartphones efficiently.
We have recently received a generous grant from The Shanly Foundation which has allowed us to purchase new laptops. The Shanly Foundation is an organisation which aims to provide charitable causes, especially those who support others who are disadvantaged, with financial assistance.
These laptops can be booked out by our Companions and will allow them to complete online courses, find job listings, attend Zoom or Teams interviews as well as occasional leisurely use. The laptops will then be given to our Companions after they have completed their courses.
We also received 50 sim cards from Vodafone that come pre-loaded with call time and data for six-months and are used for the Companion’s personal mobile phones. Mobile phones are especially essential in the modern day as they are the primary method of communication between employers and employees.
We spoke with Yvette, our ETE coach, to gain a wider understanding of the importance of digital inclusion for our Companions and to learn more about her role at Emmaus SLC.
Yvette’s role at Emmaus SLC is as an ETE (Education Training Employment) coach. The purpose of this role is to meet with Companions and support them in their vocational or social interests and advises them on ways in which they can pursue their plans.
This ties in with digital inclusion as often Companions will approach Yvette on how to use the computer or digital gadgets in general.
“I tend to have people who I do one to one’s with who are learning the very basics of functional ICT skills. I tend to do this via ‘Learn my way’ which is an online platform which we signed up to. They kindly donated us a laptop once and on one occasion Ross (our Partnership Manager) and I spoke at a conference on how digital learning has improved”.
Yvette reiterated on how Smartphones are very important to our companions.
“When our Companions decide they are ready to move on they need to sign up to universal credit. This involves them completing a journal which most will be accessing via their smartphones. We need to teach our Companions that the phone/tablet is a smaller computer. They need to be competent and confident with these devices”.
As previously mentioned, gaining work is difficult without knowing how to use the Internet. Yvette expanded upon this:
“Everything is online. That is the way of the world now. Applying for benefits, courses and jobs are all done online. The days of walking into a place with your CV are mostly over”.
“I have been working with one of the companions on how to write a CV. The next stage is teaching them how and where to upload this CV. Knowing how to use technology will allow them to be knowledgeable in writing future CVs and sending them off to employers”.
Being competent with technology is especially important for the Companions who are moving on from Emmaus. They will need to go online to search for property as well as exchange email with landlords.
Our companions can use technology to pursue their personal interests, as well as keep up with their family and close friends.
“I have helped companions do things like get involved with a local theatre or book cinema tickets, both of which were done online. Some Companions are in situations where they cannot easily communicate with their family or friends in person so social media platforms like Facebook allows them to stay in touch”.
If you would happen to have any unwanted unlocked iPhones or SIM cards, we would gladly accept them as donations. They will go towards improving the lives of our Companions.
We would like to thank The Shanly Foundation for their grant. Please visit their website to learn more about their brand