Restart Scheme
In today's rapidly evolving world, digital technology has become an integral part of our daily lives, transforming the way we work, connect, and access information.
Those that suffer from digital exclusion are not exclusively the older generation but also those unemployed, homeless, living in rural areas and where English is not the person’s first language. This could be due to varying factors including cost, trust in the technology, device access, motivation, support, skills, and connectivity.
Digital exclusion, particularly among unemployed individuals, is a huge barrier when it comes to finding sustainable employment.
Digital inclusion is social inclusion. It can improve people’s quality of life as well as access to education and employment.
Individuals can benefit in many ways by learning and developing their digital skills. These skills can help in day-to-day activities such as online grocery shopping, managing utilities and banking. As well as gaining access to a large pool of jobs advertised online, receive email job alerts when they sign up to recruitment websites and secure higher paid roles.
It can enable job seekers to participate in virtual interviews and secure remote and hybrid roles. This is particularly important for those with caring responsibilities or mobility issues, ultimately improving their quality of life and work life balance.
One of the multiple ways the Serco Restart Scheme is helping tackle digital exclusion with Participants searching for work is offering tailored support, including digital skills training and guidance. This training has also been made available to individuals over 50 that are not Participants of the Restart Scheme.
The Serco Restart Scheme has also partnered with We Are Group to boost digital skills for 2,000 Participants. Their ‘Fundamental Digital Skills’ course provides basic digital skills whilst the ‘Intermediate Digital Skills’ course guides learners into the digital world, covering topics such as online shopping and job searching, empowering Participants with a selection of advanced digital skills. Both courses provide up to 12 hours of guided learning led by expert trainers.
The Serco Restart Scheme team are actively forging new relationships and strengthening existing ones with local colleges and training providers to deliver relevant workshops as well as sharing learning opportunities in the community. An example of this is CovConnects, a new programme developed by Coventry Council to reduce the digital divide in Coventry. Residents can access free connectivity via the National Databank, the council provides access to secure free public Wi-Fi and devices including laptops and smartphones. These devices are mostly recycled, refurbished ex-council stock and can be found at libraries and Family Hubs across the city. This programme is promoted to Participants on the Restart Scheme within the area and shared with stakeholders involved in similar work.
Read about how access to digital services helped a Restart Scheme Participant find full-time work.
In an increasingly digitized job market, possessing digital literacy skills is no longer a mere advantage, but an absolute necessity. To increase employability, unemployed individuals must have access to proper digital training and support. By equipping job seekers with the ability to effectively utilise digital tools, they can confidently apply for positions, create professional online profiles, and stay informed about industry trends. Cultivating digital literacy skills empowers individuals to adapt to the evolving job market and enhances their chances of securing sustainable employment.
Serco prioritise accessibility to digital devices, training and tools on the Restart Scheme and in the wider communities we service to level the playing field and improve opportunities for social mobility. Only by addressing digital exclusion can we ensure that every individual has an equal opportunity to find fulfilling and sustainable employment in the digital age.
