BURY College is offering a free IT course under the UK Online scheme sponsored by the Department for Education and Employment.

Participants learn how to do word-processing, use spreadsheets or databases and search the Internet.

On completion the course leads to RSA / OCR CLAIT -- a nationally recognised IT qualification.

The programme consists of a total of 30 hours, working in a small group with a tutor, over five to six weeks.

Bury College is one of 35 nationwide to be successful in becoming UK Online Centres during phase one of this government-funded initiative. It is the only one in the Greater Manchester area.

Craig Costen, aged 23, enrolled after realising that jobs he had been doing were "going nowhere". He knew he needed qualifications to get the one he really wanted -- working with computers.

Originally from London, Craig moved to the Bury area six years ago. He was involved in an accident at the age of 14 which left him on crutches, needing a full knee reconstruction. He wasn't allowed back in school and consequently left without formal qualifications.

Craig heard about the UK Online scheme at the College, attended an initial taster session and went on to complete the course in just four weeks.

He has now enrolled on a full-time course to do PC Maintenance and Repair and is well on the way to achieving his dream job.

Craig commented "My success on the initial UK Online IT course gave me the confidence to take the plunge on a full-time programme at Bury College.

"I'm learning something new every day. UK Online has given me a second chance at education."