Philippe Caillot got to grips with computers and is now making big savings by shopping online

Philippe Caillot, 49, from Loughborough, was a self-confessed technophobe before coming to learndirect.  Thanks to his new skills and qualifications he’s finally got to grips with computers and is now making big savings by shopping online.  Philippe was born in France and had been self-employed in the East Midlands for 22 years before suffering an injury which ended his career doing general maintenance. He needed to improve his skills to be able to earn a living in a non-physical role.  Having excelled in maths, English and IT qualifications he is volunteering with local charity - the Baldwin Trust -   whilst continuing to take on new challenges and improve his prospects.

Philippe said: “After several years working in the catering trade I decided to set up my own business in general maintenance, doing various jobs including gardening and window cleaning. I was able to make a living and enjoyed my work before suffering from a serious injury in 2007.

“I woke up one morning to find that I could barely move, and had lost around half my body strength seemingly overnight. It was in fact the result of many years of work, but it was a huge shock and changed my life forever. Having undergone an operation to address the condition, I was in recovery for several months before I was able to think about my options for the future. After going to Jobcentre Plus, I was referred to learndirect at the Big Training Company.

“Before I started my courses, I couldn’t really use a computer because most of my previous education was before technology played such an important part in everyday life.  My disability means I’ll never be able to do a physical job again, so it was essential for me to improve my IT skills so I could work and earn money again in the future.

“One of the best things about learndirect is that it is not a classroom environment – there are not lots of students all competing, it is very much about the individual’s learning experience. There is plenty of one-to-one support, and everyone is able to learn at their own pace.

“Now I’ve gained these qualifications I’m confident in using all kinds of computer software and I even have my own PC at home. It’s had great benefits for me personally. Being out of work means I have to be more careful with my money and now I wouldn’t dream of buying anything without checking if I can find it cheaper online.

“I saved £70 on my car insurance by going online, I’ve saved money on flights when I travel back to France and I changed my energy supplier to get a better deal after using a comparison website.

“I use the internet for lots of other things as well, like listening to concerts and catching up with friends abroad via e-mail.

“Learning with learndirect has given me much more independence, and has improved my confidence no end. Computers and IT have become a central part of our culture, and it’s great to be able to keep pace with technology, and to be part of conversations which I might otherwise have not understood! I always recommend learndirect to people I meet – especially those who are perhaps around my age but are afraid of a challenge.

“I would not stand a chance of returning to work and being better off without the qualifications I have gained with learndirect.”