Free computer training gets learners flocking

By PETER GRIFFIN

Retailer Stephen Tindall is hoping free computer and internet training offered through his Warehouse Stationery stores will deliver positive business and social benefits.

Tindall and Prime Minister Helen Clark were in Manukau City yesterday promoting Key4free, a course that takes computer beginners through the basics of word processing, emailing and surfing the web.

In the past six weeks more than 1000 people have trained at the Key4free classrooms attached to Warehouse Stationery stores in Manukau, Penrose, Hamilton and South City in Christchurch.

The retailer provides the classrooms and equipment and educational institutions like Manukau Institute of Technology and The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand provide tutors.

Involved in digital education with the Tindall Foundation, Tindall said Key4free would likely boost Warehouse Stationery's sales of computers systems and peripherals and items like keyboards and printer cartridges.

"Once you've got your own PC and you're on the net the world's your oyster.

"We're looking for a win socially but we're hoping it will enhance business."

Some entry level PC deals being offered by Warehouse Stationery would make it easier for first time users to buy computers.

It sells the Hewlett-Packard's Pavilion range and its own Impact brand of entry-level desktops and laptops. Warehouse Financing could help some new users buy and pay off Machines.

"People who would have been struggling financially in the past can get online and be able to afford the hardware through their finance package," he said.

Tindall has a range of technology investments. Before Christmas he injected more money into Hamilton-based Deep Video Imaging, an imaging hardware company in which he is the largest shareholder.

That company had enough funds to see it through to mid-year and initial attempts to raise money in the US for the period beyond had already drawn strong interest.

"DVI's getting a lot of research and development contracts to help develop the product for particular applications.

"Of all my investments, if there's one that could be a Nokia it's that one."