Michael and Pat are both retired and have been volunteering as IT Trainers with Age Action West for over a year. After leaving the work force both felt a desire to keep their computer skills up to date and found that the opportunity to train others in basic IT was perfect for this. They each commented on how the training meets their own personal needs and gives them a lot of satisfaction in return.

‘The satisfaction is a two way process, it’s a wonderful feeling to see someone progress throughout the training…’ commented Michael when asked on what he gets out of his volunteer work.

He went on to say that when people are keen to learn it gives him a great incentive to develop his skills further and he is happy to do extra research in between sessions if needed.

The eight week IT training courses take place in a number of different locations around the city, and Michael and Pat are normally based either in Ballybane library or in the city library. Training takes place over an hour or two once a week, on a one-to-one basis so the learner gets plenty of support throughout.

Both see huge value in the programme, particularly for older people taking part who may be experiencing social isolation.

‘For some people the only form of social interaction may be a trip to the local post office once a week, but with a computer they’ve got the world’ said Michael.

Pat also commented on how gaining computing skills has the potential to bridge generation gaps within the family and maintain communication when loved ones are overseas.

Michael and Pat plan to keep on their volunteer work as trainers and are enjoying the process as well as the end result.