Catherine Morris

At the age of fifteen I was in a road accident which left me in a coma for five days, as a result I ended up missing most of my last year at school only returning to sit my English G.C.S.E. I was accepted onto a nursing course but fell pregnant with my first child before I could attend, shortly after I was married.

Over the next few years I had another child and then later divorced leaving me a single mother, I picked up a few part time jobs over the years but nothing substantial.

During 2009 I became unemployed after being out of work due to illness, lost my confidence, stayed in the house a lot. When I finally became well enough to seek start getting out and about and look for work I found that I lacked the computer skills that are essential for most employment and day to day living.

I decided to start an I.T. course at the Garnsychan Partnership after a leaflet came through my door. I joined the course with the most basic skills, the tutor was really nice and easy to learn from, which meant I learned things really quickly.

First I learnt how to use the internet to do things like search for items, shop on-line, and send e-mails. Next I started learning how to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint which gave me the confidence to create letters and a CV. I also learnt how to create slide shows and presentations using my own photos. I couldn’t believe how much I learnt so quickly. We also used the internet for job searches and I started applying for jobs on-line.

I applied on-line for a job as a sales assistant at ASDA and now work there part-time at the moment. I now have the confidence to use my computer for all sorts of things and its all thanks to the Garnsychan Partnership Microsoft I.T. course.