#TelfordOnline - the Council supports the launch of digital Silver iDEA Award
People in Telford and Wrekin of all ages are being encouraged to get online and take part in a free scheme to help equip them with digital skills.
The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award – known as iDEA - is a free international programme at https://idea.org.uk/.
Similar to The Duke of Edinburgh Award, it is based on challenges which lead to Awards. iDEA rewards participants with digital badges for their work to learn new digital skills. Each badge is worth a number of points, which accumulate into iDEA Awards.
There are now 2 levels of iDEA Award available – Bronze & Silver – and people of all ages can work at their own pace to earn points and receive awards.
It’s free, fun and interactive – and most important, it’s for everyone, no matter what level of digital skills they have.
The Bronze Award is targeted at beginner level. The Silver Award which has just been launched is aimed at intermediate level. The Gold Award, for advanced level learners will be available towards the end of 2019.
Once they achieve the iDEA Bronze or Silver Award, people can claim their iDEA certificate which will be sent from Buckingham Palace.
To take part in iDEA:
•Visit https://idea.org.uk
•Create an account, then select ‘have a badge code’
•Enter DIGITELFORD50 and redeem – to get your first badge
Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Employment, Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “iDEA is a fun and flexible way for anyone who wants to learn new digital skills or get better at things they already know a bit about.
“Furthermore, it’s a free qualification and on completion of a number of digital badges, people can gain a nationally recognised certificate to add to their CV.
“We are really proud that so far, since the launch of programme in spring this year, over 2,300 iDEA digital badges have been completed by people in Telford & Wrekin.”
“iDEA Bronze and Silver Awards are part of our Telford Online campaign, through which we aim to get more residents to access new technology and online services and to learn new digital skills, that people increasingly need on the job market.”
For anyone that requires help getting online, libraries in the borough have free computers and free Wi-Fi for use.
There is also staff on hand to help get people started.
For more on the Council’s Telford Online campaign, visit www.telford.gov.uk/telfordonline
