Unitec’s Free4U classroom returns to the Shore

The grand opening. From left to right: Miguel Cubeles-Gil, Frances Gillam, Ash Bennett, Tom Nimmo, Annemarie Meijnen, Matua Hare Paniora, Nick Sheppard, Fi Pillay

Unitec has launched a Free4U Computing Classroom in Birkenhead, to add to the service that’s been running for more than a decade at our Waitakere campus.

Located in the heart of Birkenhead Avenue’s retail district, the new Free4U centre offers free introductory (Level 1) self-directed computing courses for the community.  The courses give participants the opportunity to develop computer skills and are targeted at those who are new to computers, want to upskill for job opportunities, pursue further study or for personal interest.

Free4U team leader Ash Bennett says: “Free4U provides a valuable service to the local community, encouraging and empowering people to learn new skills or brush up on existing knowledge in preparation for job opportunities or further study.”

Courses include Getting Started in Computing, Keyboarding, Internet and Email, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and Access, and cover everything from file management, receiving and accessing attachments, formatting, presentation design, email etiquette and how to use a search engine.

Supporting the local community

Here are some of the stories from people who dropped in to use the centre on its opening day:

Originally from Singapore, administrative assistant Norleila has lived in Birkenhead for nearly 20 years.  She’s been using computers her whole life but is about to re-enter the workforce after a 10-year break and wanted to brush up on her skills before she started her job hunt in earnest.

Barbara is in her 60s and wants to know what to do with emails and navigating her way around the internet.  The grandmother of 12 from Beach Haven says her grandchildren are usually pretty good at showing her what to do but she doesn’t currently have a functioning computer at home.

Warehouse worker Kalyani has basic computing skills but is keen to upskill.  Her kids have now left home so she wants to learn first-hand how to upload files and photos so she’s not dependent on others for help.