One of the first people in Barnsley to use the Microsoft training vouchers has shared his experiences with MPs and Microsoft bosses. Darren Smith, 21, from Monk Bretton, recently made a trip to London, where he visited the House of Commons and Microsoft bosses.

Darren was on job seekers allowance for just under a year despite persistently applying for jobs. It wasn’t until he applied for a job in digital outreach through Barnsley’s Future Jobs Fund that he was successful.

“My granddad always told me ‘never give up never give in’ so I went for the interview and they rang me back the same day offering me the job. It was all smiles and fireworks,” he said.

Darren lost confidence during unemployment but says he now has it back and feels like part of a family at his place of work in Royston Learning Resource centre.

Barnsley recently won 50,000 free Microsoft training vouchers which enable people to do the training and sit an exam. The training has different levels which means there is something for everyone.

The campaign, started by Microsoft in partnership with Barnsley Council, is aimed at tackling unemployment. Staff are trained at centres to assist people and there are courses available for beginners.

On his visit to London Darren visited Microsoft offices with Barnsley Council’s Cllr Tim Cheetham. “It was brilliant - everyone was asking who I was and what I did and I loved the attention. We shook hands with Microsoft bosses and were treated like kings and queens. Visiting The House of Commons was really good learning all the history and meeting MPs. It was an experience I’ve never had before,” Darren said.  

Stephen Uden, Microsoft’s Head of Skills and Economic Affairs, said: “It was great to meet Darren and to hear how he has taken advantage of the free Microsoft training to improve his employment prospects and we would encourage everyone else in Barnsley to do the same.”

Darren added: “You’ve got to be in it to win it. The free training vouchers are a fantastic opportunity for everyone; they can be challenging but worth it. They can heighten your job prospects as they are recognised qualifications and look great on your CV.”

To find out where your nearest centre is for free training phone 01226 773934.

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