Two learners studying through the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT), Holywood, Co Down have become the first in the UK to complete the Computer and Online Basics qualification from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

Carole McMurty, centre manager, PRRT, said: “We are delighted that two of our learners have become the first to complete the Computer and Online Basics qualification. “PRRT aims to make sure our learners are equipped to get the most out of life after the police force — including in the online space. Gaining a recognised qualification such as Computer and Online Basics goes some way towards achieving this.”

Said David Clarke MBE, chief executive officer, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT: “We are really pleased to see the first learners completing the Computer and Online Basics qualification.

“Those who are online are finding they have better access to education, information and consumer savings.

“It is now time to bridge the gap and get everyone in the UK who hasn’t used the internet, to learn how to benefit from being online.”

Computer and Online Basics gives learners of all ages the skills to utilise everyday technology.

The qualification provides students with the skills to get the most out of using a computer and getting online. Computer and Online Basics covers:

• Understanding the basic computer parts and key input devices

• Understanding common computer terminology

• Searching for and using internet based information

David Clarke concluded: “Computer and Online Basics helps people take advantage of the information society we live in today.

“Those who are yet to get online or want to learn how to use their PC are taken through the basic principles of the internet and computer at their own pace. The qualification aims to aid digital inclusion and complements a range of other BCS qualifications.”

For more information on Computer and Online Basics, please visit: www.bcs.org/onlinebasics. For further details about PRRT, please visit: www.prrt.org.