Life-changingcourse helpsjob chances

He is one of a group of learners taking part in a national campaign designed to raise awareness of literacy issues.

Called the Big Plus, it is led by Skills Development Scotland and offers adults help and support to develop these key skills.

Robert was part of a group who attended North Lanarkshire Council’s Get Up and Go training programme, which offers employment support to adults.

He said: “This has actually opened my eyes up - there are courses out there to try to help you get on your feet, to support you with your computing, your reading, your writing, and your spelling.”

In the stakes these skills are more important than ever, as many or even most jobs now require employees to have at least basic computer skills - and that in turn requires a reasonable standard of literacy.

Robert’s story is now featured in one of six case study films on www.thebigplus.com where he talks enthusiastically about how he hopes his new skills will help him gain work in the future.