Joanne Thomas is Wales' e-learner of the year, an award sponsored by learndirect, as part of NIACE Dysgu Cymru's Adult Learners Week. She was given the title at the Adult Learners Week Awards in Llandudno. She was later presented with a computer from learndirect at a ceremony at Pembrokeshire College.
Originally trained as a chef, single mother Joanne has not worked since her six-year old son Jacob was born. Determined to get back into employment, she decided to gain up-to-date IT skills. Aiming for a change in direction, she decided to focus on office administration.
" I knew that I had to have the right skills to get back into work and that the level required had moved on considerably since I was last employed.
" I've completed the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and am now using learndirect for a variety of computer-based courses such as Powerpoint 2000, desktop publishing and I'm about to start on Sage business accounting.
" Pembrokeshire College made getting back into learning really straight forward and as I am completing the course by learndirect I can do things at my own pace, which is really convenient for me as I have the responsibility of looking after my son."
