Gesher’s new computer class will increase digital skills for job seekers
At one time there were individuals who were overlooked for certain jobs because they couldn’t read. Now most people can read but it’s a lack of digital skills that’s keeping them from getting the jobs they want.
Gesher Human Services (GHS) is looking to change that. Computer Basics for Job Seekers is a new program going on March 13-29 will provide individuals with an opportunity to gain the digital skills that many candidates are required to have for the expanding workforce.
“There is a tech divide now amongst job seekers and those without computer skills are faced with a huge barrier to employment,” said David Rotter, supervisor of computer training services at the nonprofit, which provides counseling, training and supportive services for people with disabilities, job seekers, seniors and others in need throughout Macomb and Oakland counties. “Even when applying for a job, someone walks into a business because they see a job advertised and they are frequently directed to a URL. If the person just has a phone and no laptop, they might not be able to navigate using a computer at the library, so they don’t even get an opportunity to apply for the position.”
The program follows on the heels of a new report by the Brooking Institute, showing that digitization of work across the United States is expanding with more than three-quarters of jobs requiring medium or high-skilled use of computer technology.
As of 2020, more than three-quarters of American jobs are considered mediumor high-skilled when it comes to facilities with technology. That’s a big difference from 2002, when workers in low digital skill-level jobs made up more than half of the labor force, according to Brookings, which is a nonprofit in Washington D.C. that promotes new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.
The program is free to anyone who is unemployed. Others who are employed may also qualify for a partial or full scholarship. Anyone who is employed and just looking to increase their digital skills can also take the class at a cost of $199.
However, there are full and partial scholarships available and GHH is offering it free to unemployed people who are looking for work. The program features 12 hours of classroom time at the GHH headquarters in Southfield.
Rotter said there are a multitude of reasons why a person has missed out on learning computer skills and it’s not just older people who were affected.
“Computer literacy isn’t really taught,” Rotter said. “People are just expected to have picked it up and it becomes such an issue that people who don’t have those skills either try to cover it up, or just stick to their lane where they are limited in doing so many things, including getting a job.”
Much the same as many people did when they could not read and were too embarrassed to say so.
Topics for the computer basics class will include:
• Creating, editing, naming, saving, and moving files
• Keyboard, mouse, and trackpad usage
• Navigating the internet
• Tech terms translated
• Social media
• The Cloud
• Computer safety Students will be given a portable flash drive to transport files plus a workbook. They can either bring their own laptop or use one of the agency’s. Classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays, March 13-29, from 1 to 3 p.m. To register contact David Rotter at drotter@ geshermi.org or call 248-2334243 for an enrollment application. For more information visit geshermi.org