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Essential Digital Skills Graduation & Employability Event: Celebrating Learner Milestones in Salford

person Published by: Connect Talent Content Team calendar_today Thursday, 24th September 2026 schedule 4 min read
Essential Digital Skills Graduation & Employability Event: Celebrating Learner Milestones in Salford
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Bridging the digital divide is not merely about learning how to turn on a computer or browse the web—it is about restoring independence, unlocking career opportunities, and ensuring nobody in our community is left behind in today's digital world.

Today, Thursday 24th September 2026, the training suite on the 8th floor of St James's House in Salford was filled with pride, celebration, and inspiring determination as Connect Talent CIO, in proud partnership with The Growth Company, hosted the Essential Digital Skills Graduation & Employability Event.

The event brought together adult learners, families, community partners, and employment mentors to honour graduating students who completed their accredited digital skills training. Alongside the formal celebrations, attendees benefited from a hands-on, one-to-one Career Clinic offering practical guidance, CV tailoring, and direct job application support.

10:30 AM: Celebrating Learner Dedication & Accredited Milestones

The morning session commenced at 10:30 AM with our formal graduation ceremony, honouring learners who dedicated weeks of focused effort to master essential digital competencies. For many attendees—including older adults, newcomers, migrants, and career-changers—stepping into digital learning represented a bold, courage-filled step towards personal independence.

During the ceremony, graduates were awarded officially accredited certificates in recognition of their mastery across key areas of modern computing:
  • Core Computing & Device Operation: Navigating operating systems, device file management, and foundational hardware skills.
  • Digital Communication & Collaboration: Professional email correspondence, calendar management, and video conferencing tools.
  • Online Safety & Cyber Awareness: Creating robust security credentials, identifying phishing scams, and protecting personal data online.
  • Navigating Public & Health Services: Booking NHS appointments, council portal interactions, and submitting secure online forms.
Learners took the microphone to share emotional personal testimonials—reflecting on their initial anxieties about touching a keyboard, and celebrating how they can now independently assist their children with school portals, manage household budgets online, and apply for employment without relying on third parties.
10:30 AM: Celebrating Learner Dedication & Accredited Milestones
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Accredited Milestone Presentation — Learner receiving their official Essential Digital Skills certificate in partnership with The Growth Company

12:00 PM: Career Clinic & Hands-On Employability Workshop

Following the certificate presentations and celebratory photographs, the afternoon shifted seamlessly into practical, forward-looking action. Starting at 12:00 PM, Connect Talent CIO and expert employment specialists from The Growth Company opened the dedicated Career Clinic & Employability Workshop.

Attendees received tailored, one-to-one mentoring across multiple vital areas of the modern job search:
description Tailored CV Reviews

1-to-1 CV Enhancement

Personalised reviews restructuring CVs with modern applicant tracking systems (ATS) formatting, showcasing newly acquired accredited digital qualifications.

record_voice_over Interview Coaching

Confidence & Technique

Targeted coaching to help candidates articulate their transferable life skills, prepare for video interviews, and overcome workplace imposter syndrome.

laptop_mac Workplace Tech

Office Tools & Cloud Apps

Hands-on guidance navigating office suites, cloud storage systems, and the digital tools required by modern employers.

send Job Applications

Live Application Support

Assisted on-the-spot submissions for local vacancies, ensuring supporting statements effectively matched role requirements.

12:00 PM: Career Clinic & Hands-On Employability Workshop
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Practical 1-to-1 Mentoring — Career Clinic advisor providing tailored CV restructuring and employment guidance at the Working Well support desk

Inspiring Presentations, Partner Reflections & Event Highlights

A standout highlight of the ceremony was a live showcase presentation delivered by adult learners Winghan and Bucar. Demonstrating real-world digital numeracy and spreadsheet formulation skills, they presented a live community budgeting model calculated down to the penny—proving how digital skills immediately translate into practical independence.

Representatives from The Growth Company and Connect Talent CIO commended the learners for their tenacity, resilience, and mutual support throughout the programme, wishing them every success as they embark on employment and further training opportunities.

videocam Event Highlights Clip Salford Graduation & Career Clinic 2026
Inspiring Presentations, Partner Reflections & Event Highlights
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Practical Application in Action — Learners showcasing their live spreadsheet budgeting calculations developed during the course
Official Resources & Media

Event Milestone Photo Highlights

13 Photos (Click to enlarge)

More Stories & Event Recaps

Together, we make Salford Stronger!

Ready to build your confidence with our free Essential Digital Skills training or looking to get involved as a volunteer? Reach out to Connect Talent CIO online or stop by our community hub at Pendleton Gateway today.

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