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This is a project to organize the establishment of local 'Technology Training and Support Centres' (TTSC) in regional and remote communities. The primary beneficiaries will be Indigenous communities who are socially or economically disadvantaged and are on the other side of the 'Digital Divide'.

What would a TTSC look like?

A TTSC could be described as a couple of rooms or say a small shop that would house personal computers (PCs) for computer training and the training on the use of software and access to the internet. These PCs would sit on desks and be set up for formal training use.

Additionally, and importantly, it would also have 'work-benches' designed for the repair and maintenance of computers. Suitable trainees would be able to pull the PCs apart, and put them together again, plus load up the Windows software, configure it, and load the programs.

So, the principal purposes of the TTSCs would be to:

1. Provide an environment for learning to use PCs and software applications such as Word, etc. 2. Provide for teaching the innards of PCs & system software to develop 'support knowledge'.
2. Develop support skills so the 'trainees' can go out and fix PC problems and earn revenue.
3. To act as a hub for the supply and support of more low-cost PCs to disadvantaged people.

The refurbished PCs are available from Work Ventures for $270, plus delivery. Rooms or a small building or shop are required. A local person is required to co-ordinate and lead the project. A local PC education person is required part-time to teach the use of PCs. A local 'PC techo' with training ability is required part-time to lead the workshop training.

Associated Organisations

Work Ventures Australia: build and supply the PCs, and also currently run four technology training centres, although without the 'workshop' aspect at present. They have access to TAFE training programs and have staff to co-ordinate the TTSC ventures.

Smith Family: Also run technology training centres, work closely with Work Ventures, and are interested to look at developing the TTSC model. Mission Australia: Interested to look at implementing the TTSC model for some of their centres.

Microsoft: Providing free systems and applications software.

Boston Consulting Group: Assisting to document and advise on the model.

Westpac Bank: Providing an advisory person, also a source of the pre-used PCs.

Further Background

The supply of large numbers of up to 25,000 PCs per year provides the background to the need and usefulness of the TTSCs. The centres can be used for distribution of the PCs, training of buyers and local Digital Divide disadvantaged persons, and also to build technical support capabilities in local people leading to revenue earning potential for the centre and the trainees.

Lead Organisation/Agency

Current Partners

See above, Smith Family, Mission Australia, Microsoft, Boston Consulting Group, Westpac

Other Partners Needed?

Type of Support Needed

Indigenous communities with leaders and organisations willing to take responsiblity for the development of a technology training centre in their community.

Type of Mentoring Needed

Type of Investment Needed

Subject(s)

Region(s)

Most Recently Presented At

First Presented At

For further information

Contact	:	Steve Lawrence
Phone	:	(02) 9282 6995
Mobile	:	(02) 9211 6923
Email	:	csd@workventures.com.au
WWW	:	www.workventures.com.au