Computer learning for free

All you do is walk off the street, sit yourself down at a computer, and start expanding your skills -and your horizons.

Free computer training for all over-16s in mainstream applications such as Microsoft Word 2000, Internet Explorer and Outlook Email is now available in Auckland and Hamilton thanks to a partnership between Warehouse Stationery - wholly owned by The Warehouse - and five of New Zealand's polytechnics.

Key4free has already begun at Warehouse Stationery stores in Manukau and Penrose, and opens at its Hamilton counterpart on February 25.

The deal sees classrooms set up in Warehouse Stationery stores throughout New Zealand for the delivery of self-paced computer training programmes.

Participants each get a workbook and their own computer station to work through comprehensive exercises at their own speed.

Next to go on-line are classrooms in South City, Christchurch, on March 4, and in Dunedin and Petone.

Facilitators are on hand to help out, and although the programme doesn't lead to any recognised qualification and there are no tests, you can ask for a certificate of attendance.

The five polytechnics behind the scheme form the Tertiary Accord of New Zealand. Members are Manukau Institute of Technology, Universal College of Learning in Palmerston North, Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology, Otago Polytechnic and The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand.

According to Warehouse founder Stephen Tindall, Key4free gives "many more people access to one of today's most vital tools for education, business, entertainment and communication.

Key4free is aimed at those "who may consider computer technology a daunting challenge."

It is also a practical offering in the wake of last year's Knowledge Wave conference, says Manukau Institute of Technology chief executive Jack MacDonald.

"The programme satisfies several themes raised at the conference, particularly the need to encourage an increasingly large number of New Zealanders to use the information technology.

"A recent study found that 55 per cent of Maori and 76 per cent of Pacific Island peoples have no internet skills or experience of the internet," he says.

Key4free is an extension of TANZ's Community Learning Programme, which has seen free computer training offered to their communities.

* The programme runs from 9 am to 5 pm weekdays and 10 am-3 pm during the weekend. Bookings are essential and you must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. No previous computer experience is necessary.

To enrol, phone Key4free on (0800) 10 10 63.