Selwyn Times: July 12, 2016

Computing For Free - still going strong after 15 years
Ara Institute of Canterbury (formerly CPIT)
has provided free computer courses at four
hubs across Christchurch for over 15 years.
Now, it is evolving to better connect a wide
variety of learners with accessible training for
basic computer skills or upskilling to improve
career opportunities.
Computing For Free manager Peter Nock
says that over 19,000 people have accessed
free or affordable training so far. “Originally
we offered short, non-assessed computer
courses as the government saw the need for
adults to upskill in this area. We created a
friendly and welcoming place to get started
on computing skills, and we still do this, but
now we also do a whole lot more.”
At hubs in New Brighton, Bishopdale, Hornby,
Rangiora, Christchurch’s Madras Street and
now also in Timaru, Ara staff continue to
support community learning needs through
Computing For Free.
We help people
get to where they
want to go.
further skills for their particular job or to take
the next step in their career.”
The course timetables are designed to
be flexible to fit around family and
professional commitments.
“Our approach works,” Peter says. “We
consistently deliver quality and receive
excellent student feedback. We help people
to get where they want to go.”
Peter Nock
Computing For Free Manager
“There is still a range of self-paced, short
courses of between 20 to 40 hours to
introduce people to specific programs like
web design and Powerpoint. However, we
also offer business and job-seeking courses,
and the National Certificate in Computing,
which is a formal qualification that employers
recognise and value.”
The courses are facilitated by tutors who are
on-hand to provide support. “Our staff are
passionate about the courses they teach and
the communities they teach in, providing a
really great experience for our students.”
Computing for Free is offered through
Ara Connect, which introduces learners
across the Canterbury region to skills that
are industry-relevant and designed to help
achieve career goals.
Peter adds that computer skills are a
necessity in today’s professional environment.
“Everyone needs to know their way around a
computer and some people need to acquire
Enrolling is easy – just pop into your
local branch to discuss your needs
with one of our friendly team or visit
www.ara.ac.nz/ara-connect.
Upskilling leads to teaching role
Jo Harkerss had reached a crossroad in
her life when she enrolled in a Computing
For Free programme at Ara Institute of
Canterbury’s Bishopdale hub. Now she is a
computing tutor helping others to succeed.
Why did you first enrol in
Computing For Free?
I was on maternity leave when I was made
redundant from my job. Both my sister and
my mother were enrolled at the New Brighton
hub – that’s how I found out about it. I’ve
always enjoyed computing and I wanted to
use my time wisely to upskill myself.
What are you doing now?
I’m working as a tutor at Computing For Free!
What do you enjoy about your job?
It’s very cool helping other people to succeed.
The hardest thing is for people to walk in the
door. Then they realise that we are really nice!
And that they can do it. You see people come
in who feel afraid of computers, but we are
here to help them to achieve. Study is not easy
for everyone, but our programmes have a
good balance of theory and practice, plus the
programmes are self-paced to fit around other
commitments such as work and family.
For many people it is a huge stepping stone.
They may have been made redundant or been
out of the workforce after having children.
Here they can connect with other people and
learn new skills that will make them more
employable and give them confidence to
try other things too. They might have used
computers in the past, but programmes
change and skills need to be updated.
What sort of feedback do you get?
Because we’re like a family, once people
have finished their studies here, they come
back and tell us what they’re doing. Our
programmes lead into further computing
studies at Ara, or they can help you to find
work. I think most importantly,
our students get a taste of what they’re
capable of. They develop computer skills but
they also develop confidence and brush up
on the soft skills, such as communication
and networking, that employers value in
today’s workplaces.
We’re here to help make your enrolment easy. Please call, email or visit our website for more information.
03 940 8888 | 0800 24 24 76 | info@ara.ac.nz | www.ara.ac.nz