Dwight Murdock is a 32-year-old young man who dreams of one day securing a better future for himself and his son. Knowing well that dreams require action to realise them, Murdock signed up for the Flow Foundation’s Training for Professionals digital education programme with a plan to improve his professional development and maximise his opportunities. He is currently employed to Manpower and Maintenance Services on its janitorial staff but wants to better himself for future growth and capitalise on the digital economy developing before his eyes. To that end, he has completed the Microsoft Certification curriculum and has moved on to Telephone Skills to help him become a better communicator.

“I believe it is important to upgrade yourself and I know that having computer skills is the way to creating a better future for my family and myself,” said Murdock. “I am doing this course because I want to be able to upgrade my skills so that I will be able to take up opportunities that may come my way. I have completed Microsoft Certification and moving on to other courses that will improve my professional skills.”

He further added: “I have a young son to provide for so this is very important to me. I am going to be a good role model for him and I am really grateful for this opportunity to do this course.”

The Flow Foundation introduced two digital education programmes – Skills for the Future and Training for Professionals – in response to the need for more Jamaicans to develop strong digital capabilities. The Skills for the Future offers courses in the fundamentals of digital training and provides facilitators to support the students. Students in this programme have the option to advance to the Training for Professionals programme for more specialised tutoring. Both programmes are free, students can work at their own pace and they receive a certificate upon completion.

Murdock said he was motivated to do the course because of his desire for self-improvement. He believes there are many opportunities out there but believes the right training is required to capitalise on them. In the future he plans to enter agriculture and believes digital literacy is necessary for tasks such as recording information and researching new farming methods.

“Digital education is central to everything right now so I would encourage everyone to get the training and develop yourself,” Murdock stated.

The Training for Professionals programme is conducted in partnership with One on One Educational Services and provides participants with access to over 100 courses from accredited online training institutions. These programmes help participants to build self-confidence, improve their employability and pursue entrepreneurship.