For many people, job searching today means going online; creating accounts, managing emails, uploading CVs and completing applications. But, for those who have never had to do this before, the digital world can feel overwhelming and become a real barrier to employment.

Throughout February, Starting Point ran a series of sessions to support people to build the digital skills and confidence needed to apply for jobs online, based in our Learning Hub in Woodley funded by CDL Software.

Over the month we:

✨ Supported nine learners to develop essential digital skills
✨ Helped people access email and job accounts across different devices
✨ Supported learners to complete and submit online job applications
✨ Gifted a smartphone so one learner could search and apply for jobs independently
✨ Set up a learner with an email address, Indeed account and a digital CV
✨ Introduced learners to AI tools to help draft cover letters, and supported them to save and upload documents
✨ Connected individuals to pathways for further learning and employment support

For some learners, this was their first experience of online job searching. Without access to devices, email, or confidence using digital tools, even getting started can be a challenge. These sessions helped remove those barriers, giving people the skills and independence needed to move forward. 

One said,

“I couldn’t go anywhere else for help with this stuff, I know I’ll get the help I need here.” 

In our final session, we were joined by Work and Skills Navigator Kate Duffy, who met learners one-to-one to talk about additional support available in Stockport. Learner feedback highlighted how valuable these conversations were in helping them understand their options and next steps.

Building digital confidence isn’t just about technology, it’s about opening doors to opportunity, independence and employment. We hope to see many of the individuals we have supported continuing to join us at regular sessions across Stockport to build their skills and confidence. 

These sessions were made possible thanks to funding from CDL Software and supported, as always, by our fantastic Digital Champion volunteers. Our new learning hub has been removated thanks to funding from Stockport Council and GMCA.