Firms to get IT aid from chamber

WATERFORD Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with IT experts to ensure member companies are up to date on all the latest computer skills.

The active chamber has joined forces with the e-Learn computer academy to offer a one-day course to any member company to advance individual computer skills.

Training will be available on demand.

Areas covered will include training in all standard computer packages, including Microsoft Word, Excel and Sage. Block bookings can be taken for up to 12 staff members and for those who book, e-Learn will tailor the training day to a specific company’s requirements.

Individual bookings can also be made on their one-day courses so staff can improve existing computer skills. Funding has become available for computer training for small businesses. This Government training grant will cover 90% of the expenditure on approved training programmes up to a maximum grant of €1,000.

“There is a simple requirement to qualify for the grant; the business must employ 1 to 10 employees,” a chamber spokesperson said.

“IT skills improve productivity, create greater confidence in employees and maximise the potential of small businesses ... this funding provides the perfect opportunity to act now and get benefits from technology.” the spokesperson added.

For more information, contact Sinead Harvey, Waterford Chamber on 051-311139.