METRO mayor Steve Rotheram will launch a town centre hub aimed at building a strong digital community across St Helens today.

Clickworks, which is part of St Helens Chamber, has been created in the former Starting Point building on Hardshaw Street. The centre aims to be "a catalyst for change in St Helens" by offering skills workshops to residents to help boost employability.

The modern open plan layout includes touch screens and various courses ranging from digital essentials for beginners to digital marketing and learning how to work across various software, to offer a supportive place to learn new skills.

Local Growth Funding secured from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Strategic Investment Fund paved the way for the development.

Clickworks will be officially opened today by Liverpool City Region metro mayor Steve Rotheram.

 

Carly Ball, marketing manager at St Helens Chamber, said: "Through various avenues we asked members of the public how comfortable they were with their digital skills and the feedback reaffirmed what we thought that most people felt in one way or another that they would benefit from digital training, be it for a job or to aid in their existing profession.

"We have a range of courses, and three floors where people can work independently and in groups in booths, classrooms and in workshops as well as attend talks on different topics on anything. This morning we had a course on Digital Skills for Job Seekers.

"We have smart screens in the main room, including Surface Pro and iPads so people can work across a range of software types, we have virtual reality workshops and 3D and inkjet printers, which are able to be used by everyone seeking support.

"It's important to offer these services to not only help people in the community but to boost those people, who perhaps already have a career but can benefit from using different equipment.

"I hope others come to see what we offer as we want to be a catalyst for change in St Helens."

Follow @Clickworks_ for more.