Innovation Hive, in collaboration with a local Vocational Education and Training (VET) Centre, successfully completed the pilot implementation of a comprehensive 300-hour training programme, strengthening the digital skills of individuals facing barriers to accessing education and the labour market.
Within the framework of the European project ConnectED – Closing the Digital Gap, Innovation Hive successfully completed the training activities of WP4 in Greece, involving 31 learners from diverse social backgrounds.
The activities primarily targeted long-term unemployed individuals, young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), women and young people living in remote rural areas, as well as individuals with limited opportunities to develop their digital skills.
The main objective of this initiative was to bridge the digital divide by providing accessible, flexible and practice-oriented training, while enhancing participants’ opportunities for social inclusion and labour market integration.
A Comprehensive 300-Hour Training Programme Tailored to Learners’ Needs
The ConnectED training programme was designed in accordance with the European Digital Competence Framework (DigComp) and consisted of three progressive training levels:
Basic Level – 75 hours: Introduction to essential digital skills and the safe use of digital tools.
Intermediate Level – 75 hours: Further development of skills in using digital applications, online collaboration and digital content creation.
Advanced Level – 150 hours: Development of more advanced digital competencies, problem-solving skills and practical application of knowledge through more challenging activities.
The training content covered five key areas of digital competence:
Information & Data Literacy: Searching for, evaluating, organising and managing digital information and data.
Communication & Collaboration: Effective communication, collaboration and participation in digital environments.
Digital Content Creation: Creating and editing digital content using appropriate tools.
Cybersecurity: Protecting personal data, identifying online risks and navigating the internet safely.
Problem Solving & Troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving technical problems and selecting appropriate digital solutions.
Digital Skills Hub: An Interactive and Flexible Learning Experience
A central component of the training process was the Digital Skills Hub, a dedicated online learning platform developed within the framework of the project.
Through the platform, participants were able to assess their initial level of digital knowledge, monitor their progress and acquire new skills through a combination of theoretical learning and practical application.
The educational materials included interactive Genially presentations, training videos, self-assessment exercises, practical assessments and digital escape rooms, making the learning process more engaging, participatory and interactive.
In addition, the platform’s integrated online forum allowed learners to exchange ideas, share experiences and discuss challenges encountered throughout their training.
One of the programme’s key advantages was its self-paced learning approach. Participants could organise their own schedules and complete the training modules at their own pace, without the need for continuous physical attendance. This flexibility was particularly important for individuals facing professional, family-related or geographical barriers to accessing traditional forms of education.
From Digital Training to Digital Inclusion
Through their participation, the 31 learners had the opportunity to become familiar with modern digital tools, practise their knowledge through realistic activities and strengthen competencies directly relevant to everyday life and the demands of today’s labour market.
The ConnectED approach highlights the importance of lifelong learning and equal access to digital education, particularly for population groups at greater risk of digital exclusion.