In the framework of the NT4EU project, our French partner and project coordinator Simplon, organized a 6-week training in Paris at the end of 2019 on ICT skills for migrants.
For the selection process, they developed several partnerships with an organization offering services for refugees, including sessions of French classes. Then, Simplon organized one day of selection on their premises. Each participant got an interview to check their administrative situation, their motivation, and their technical background.
Concerning the background of the participants, out of 15 people, there were 7 different nationalities. Most of them worked in another field than IT before coming to France. They didn’t necessarily wish to work in the IT field, but they all wanted to increase their knowledge in this area. As diploma was not a criterion, Simplon did not have exact information on their educational background, however, they knew that 9 of them did not have a university diploma.
Most of the participants had basic knowledge (use of social networks and e-mail address, how to do an Internet search) but they didn’t feel so comfortable on a laptop and they needed either to “refresh” their knowledge or just get new competences. They did not know what an anti-virus was or how to create a basic website.
The objective of the training was to help beneficiaries to acquire basic digital skills and development and organizational knowledge: welcoming audiences, designing and leading workshops. Therefore, the training was divided between digital classes and French classes adapted to digital needs.
The training was built upon interdisciplinary skills and 7 modules:
- Building the digital technical environment: install and configure software and tools, and access basic functions.
- Find information on the web: research and monitoring on the web, and organizing monitoring activities.
- Managing and using data: organize data storage and evaluate data using a spreadsheet programme.
- Communicate and collaborate in a network: social media, digital reputation and analytical techniques, control the influence we have on a network and use it.
- Create text, multimedia and web content: create online content, managing the creation of a digital project.
- Protect and secure: securing a computer and smart use of digital technologies.
- Keeping the digital and technical environment operational.
A typical training day was divided among teaching and guided implementation of the lessons learned, and a practical part. In this practical part, participants worked in groups or independently on projects from local businesses within the training center’s ecosystem.
After the training, the goal was to get a certification that is recognized by the French State. This “Compétences Numériques Fondamentales” certification acknowledges the participants acquired basic computer skills. This certification can serve as a passport to get access to some jobs.
Check out some of the pictures from the NT4EU Paris’ training below!
