Jobseekers had the opportunity to develop useful IT skills through a new partnership between the Government and the private sector.

The Department of Workforce Development joined forces with ConnecTech, a technology training centre, to deliver the Digital Literacy Training Programme.

Jason Hayward, the labour minister, said: “I am pleased to see more Bermudians taking steps to upskill which will position them for future job opportunities.

”This programme is one of many run by the Department of Workforce Development designed to build new skill sets and increase Bermudians' employability.

“Filled with eager Bermudians, the group possessed a strong desire for self-improvement. I hope to see many more take advantage of these opportunities.”

The weeklong course, which started on January 18, gave eight trainees basic computer skills and entry-level training in Microsoft’s Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook applications.

The participants learnt to format documents in Word, draft e-mails, manage daily tasks on Outlook and create PowerPoint presentations.

They also created forms, tables, and input formulas on Excel.

Participants also got instruction in how best to use the Bermuda Job Board website.

The average test score was 38 per cent at the start of the programme and by the end it had jumped to 87 per cent.

Coral Wells, the executive director of ConnecTech, added: “It was a joy to teach this course not only from the technical perspective, but because I was able to provide advice and tips on resume writing, presentations skills and e-mail etiquette.

She added: “I hope this provides these participants with the knowledge to move to the next level in their learning but most importantly provides them with the skills required to obtain employment.”

Anyone interested in taking in future programmes should e-mail the DWD at dwd@gov.bm.