The Plains, OH (August 5, 2020) – In November 2019, Digital Works took its technology and client-service training program to Athens County, Ohio, to host a free digital skills boot camp. The boot camp focused on improving basic digital literacy among its participants.
The training was held at the OhioMeansJobs (Athens County) facility and was made possible thanks to funding from AT&T Ohio.
“AT&T is committed to fostering solutions that lead to school success and career readiness, especially for underserved and underrepresented populations,” said B.J. Smith, external affairs director, AT&T Ohio. “We were thrilled to collaborate with Digital Works on this project and provide access to the technology skills that people need to get and keep good jobs.”
The class kicked off on Nov. 4 with seven trainees. As the week progressed and word spread, the program gained three additional participants. The training was focused on computer, internet, email, and Microsoft Word basic skills that trainees could use to apply for remote and
work-from-home jobs.
“Digital Works Basic Digital Literacy Boot Camp was quite the crash course. It was a fun experience, and our instructor, Tammy Spring, made it all worthwhile,” said class participant Samantha Thomas. “I can honestly say that I did not know what I was coming into when I first signed up… but I am leaving with refreshed computer skills as well as a few new skills that I picked up along the way. With this knowledge, I plan on pursuing a new career.”
The trainees took two assessment tests over five days: one at the beginning and one at the end to gauge the program’s effectiveness. The class’s average test score increased by 12 percent, and each participant improved their individual scores. Once the class was finished, Digital Works staff presented each participant with a certificate of completion.
“The class has been very informative and helpful. It has helped me with typing and learning new things about working from home!” said Clarissa Slater. “I do hope in the future that a full class will be available for those in the Athens, Ohio, area.”