Develop your digital skills and collect free iDEA badges

Whatever your plans this summer, it’s the ideal time to develop your digital, enterprise and employability skills for free by collecting iDEA badges and maybe even a Bronze Award.

iDEA, The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, is a fun way to grow more confident with technology, learn new digital skills, get better at things you already know a bit about or discover talents you didn’t know you had.

Councillor Elise Wilson, Cabinet Member for Reform and Governance at Stockport Council said:

“Anyone can have a go. iDEA is for everyone – adults and young people of all levels, whether you’re looking for your first job or searching for a way back into the jobs market. You learn online at your own pace, on your own or with others. You can do iDEA badges on any phone, tablet or computer, wherever you are,  on the bus, in the library or at home.”

iDEA badges – mini modules and challenges – show that you have invested time and effort in your digital skills. You can download, print and share your Record of Achievement at any stage. They will look good on your CV and are recognised by employers.

iDEA is totally free, all you need is an email address and access to the internet. Councillor Wilson adds: “If you need some help getting online, all libraries in Stockport have free computers and Wi-Fi for you to use. There are also staff on hand to help you get started.”

Sign up HERE 

Image caption: iDEA badges offer bite-size learning across a wide range of digital skills

Whilst most Stockport residents are reasonably confident in using the internet at home, in the office or on the move, one in eight people have never been online and one in four don’t have the basic online skills or aren’t very confident online. Stockport Council is committed to helping the residents of Stockport get online and is working with The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award (iDEA) and a network of trusted partners and community organisations to achieve this objective.

iDEA is the digital equivalent of The Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) Award. But unlike the DoE Award, iDEA is for everyone– young people and adults alike. There are 3 levels of Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold – and you work towards each award by earning badges online as you learn new skills. Each badge carries points and when you earn enough points, you will receive the award. The Bronze Award is already released, Silver is coming by the end of the summer and Gold will be available next year.