Digital access and skills training

Device loan scheme

Chromebooks and MiFi are available for adults who are digitally excluded, to help combat loneliness, improve health and wellbeing and access learning opportunities, such as our free courses for adults.

We want everyone to understand how digital can benefit them, gain the skills and get connected. Borrowing devices can be an excellent way of trying new things and improving your skills, build your confidence and getting online. You will be better informed, more independent and less isolated.

About our Chromebooks

Your information is safe with us.

• The Chromebooks are completely free of any previous data, so it's just like taking them straight out of the box.
• Each time it is used all personal data is erased and the device is reset to protect users' information.
• Each Chromebook has a registered serial number which we can trace, so in the event of loss or theft, we can remotely lock it.
• The Chromebooks are designed and built to only accept and install software that has been approved by Google, so they are safe and secure with no need to worry about computer viruses.

Apply for a device

Our Chromebooks are free to borrow, with free data if needed. The standard loan period is three months but they can be borrowed for longer.

A number of Chromebooks are available for community groups and organisations to borrow free of charge to support their digital inclusion journey. If you have an existing group of Kirklees residents and you'd like to work with them on anything digital then this scheme is for you. The maximum number of Chromebooks to loan at any one time is 8, please complete the application form below and tell us what you want to do and the impact it will have. We will then contact you to discuss your requirements further

Help using your Chromebook

You will receive a simple user guide with your Chromebook.

Learn My Way has a range of tutorials on how to make the most of the Chromebook.

If you are not sure where to start, contact us to find out how we can help.

Help with data poverty

Kirklees Council have partnered with the Good Things foundation and the national data bank who can supply residents with 6 months worth of data via one of our local delivery partners. The aim of the scheme is to assist residents in finding employment, managing their finances, address isolation and loneliness and support with health and wellbeing.

Please contact digitalhubs@kirklees.gov.uk for more information.

Digital Hub safe spaces

We have several designated spaces across Kirklees that can help you learn the skills that you need and access technology in a safe and Covid-secure environment.

North Kirklees

• Chickenley Hub , Chickenley Community Centre, Princess Road, Dewsbury, WF12 8QT
• Dewsbury Library , Railway Street, Dewsbury, WF12 8EB
• Ravensthorpe Community Centre , 24 Garden Street, Dewsbury, WF13 3AR
• Taleem Training and Community Centre , 36 Orchard Street, Dewsbury, WF12 9LT
• Thornhill Lees Community Centre , 53 Brewery Lane, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury WF12 9DU

South Kirklees

• Crosland Moor Community Learning Centre , 15A Park Road West, Crosland Moor, Hudde
• Paddock Community Trust , Paddock Village Hall, West View, Huddersfield, HD1 4TX
• Huddersfield Library , Princess Alexandra Walk, Huddersfield, HD1 2SU

Training courses

Digital skills

We have a number of free courses that you can access with a level to suit everyone, from beginners to intermediate through to more advanced courses.

In partnership with Kirklees College we have designed a Digital Citizen course that will take you through all the skills that you need to be digitally confident.

Courses include:

• Intro to IT (Beginners) - Takes you through the basics in preparation for the Digital Citizen course.
• Digital Citizen - At the end of this course you will be able to complete these 5 basic digital skills safely and with confidence:
  • Communicate
  • Handle information and content
  • Perform simple basic transactions
  • Know how to problem solve
  • Know how to be safe and legal online

Digital champions

We deliver free training to staff and volunteers on how to work as Digital Champion Volunteer within the community.

We're always looking for people who can share their passion for technology and the internet - and there are always people who need your help, perhaps with learning to create an email address, shop online, use social media, or organise photos.

• You don't need to be an expert.
• Full training and support is available.
• The course covers how to inspire people in your community to use the internet, and help them to develop their digital skills.

With your support as a Digital Champion people can build their confidence to use digital technology.

By completing this course you will gain the confidence and knowledge to support your local community to go online. It will provide you with the skills to support people on a one to one basis or help small groups in our Digital Hubs. You will also come away with ideas and tips on how to help them use the internet and access other services to help support their digital journey.

Find out more about our adult skills offer and apply for a course

Support into work and adult learning courses during COVID-19

Supporting digital inclusion through our Green Hub

We repurpose your unwanted laptops, desktops, tablets and smartphones, passing them on to Kirklees residents who are digitally excluded. By donating equipment, you are giving back to the community, recycling and keeping useable equipment out of landfill. A win for everyone and has some real, tangible added social value. We would like you to donate laptops, desktops, tablets (cables and chargers too) that are no longer used. We will wipe all the data using professional software and will issue a recognised security certificate to confirm we have done this. This project is run by Paddock Community Trust and supported by Kirklees Council.

For further information on how you can donate equipment please contact
simon@paddocktrust.org.uk or contact digitalhubs@kirklees.gov.uk.

Contact us