Workers need IT skills to help them get a good job and progress in their chosen career, an expert has suggested.
An IT training scheme in the West Midlands has highlighted how valuable computer skills can be for work and leisure.
The £70,000 programme in Solihull is teaching up to 50 local people how to use computers from a very basic level and up.
Learners will recieve the offer of a free computer and internet access for their home, as well as support from a "buddy" or mentor.
The scheme is being funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and managed by SUSTAiN, a local voluntary organisation consortium, along with ReCOM, a Solihull charity that provides refurbished computers and training.
It is open to those aged between 18 to 65 whose access to IT is deemed to have been limited by a low income or disability.
SUSTAiN's marketing manager Jayne Scarman said: "Access IT provides the equipment, skills and knowledge that can enhance employment opportunities, increase independence and enable people to enjoy the full social and practical benefits afforded by the internet."
Rebecca Hunt, who is a ReCOM trainer, said people are eager to learn how to send an email and how to conduct internet banking.
According to Rooqia Begum, equality and diversity manager for West Midlands LSC, the scheme is "an excellent example of how partnerships between community organisations can make a real difference".
Recent figures published by the Office for National Statistics revealed around 13.9 million households had access to the internet in their homes between January and April 2006.
>> learndirect can help you improve your skills using home and office IT - you can learn about email, the internet, and using software applications. To find out more browse our courses, which cover a number of different subjects and skill levels.