Case Studies

Case Study 1

Ghazala’s trainer says she had a real fear of computers and felt bad because she couldn’t keep up with her children.  She started the course with a real lack of confidence but the course not only gave her enough confidence and skills to apply for jobs online – she was successful!  She started her job with WH Smith after only 4 weeks on the course.   She now wants to go on to take more advanced computer courses.

Ghazala said:  “Before I started this course I was not very confident about using a computer and applying for jobs.  The atmosphere in this class is great for learning and sociable too.  Now I have learned all this and got a lot of confidence I am keen to learn more.”

Case Study 2

When he first started, Brian was nervous and worried he would struggle to complete the course.  As the course progressed he became more confident and asked questions, which really helped with his learning.

Brian said:  “I had a little knowledge but not as much as I would have liked.  I felt relaxed and comfortable in the class and this nice atmosphere made it easier to learn.”

Case Study 3 

Richard Krajnyik came to Edinburgh in April 2012 and found it very difficult to get a job due to his lack of confidence in his English language skills and few formal qualifications. Richard says that the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) course and the volunteering with the Digital Skills Academy (DSA) made a world of difference to his life. Although he had done some programming in school and had built his own network for games, the MTA course helped him understand why things work the way they do and get a Microsoft certification to prove his knowledge.

When asked to describe his experience as volunteer with DSA, Richard said that he felt he had “improved as a person”: improved his timekeeping skills, learned to respond to challenges, made sure he dressed appropriately. “In the first week as volunteer Wafa advised me what language to use with customers to make them feel comfortable. There is no volunteering culture in Hungary and I have now discovered how much satisfaction volunteering can bring. I like seeing others improve, when from a complete beginner they become able to work a computer independently”.

After finishing the MTA course, Richard went onto a new course with the Prince’s Trust. His ambition and enthusiasm later brought him a job with Craneware.