For Tania Blanes, even simple tasks on a computer once felt daunting.
The 62-year-old Albury local had never felt particularly comfortable with technology and wanted to overcome the fear that often came with using it.
So, when she was referred to VERTO’s Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) program by a local employment services provider in October 2025, Tania decided to give herself the chance to learn.
The SEE program helps adults build their language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills, with support tailored to their individual goals and needs.
For Tania, that meant becoming more comfortable using a computer and her phone and building her knowledge of how to use technology for different tasks.
While caring full-time for her parents, Tania was also interested in finding a way to contribute to her local community through volunteering.
To pursue an opportunity with a local community organisation, she first needed to complete a food handling course. With the entire course delivered online, Tania was able to put what she was learning through SEE into practice as she worked her way through the training.
She successfully completed the course, an achievement that showed her she could manage something online that may previously have felt out of reach.
As she continued with SEE, Tania began learning how to navigate different computer applications and online tools, while also achieving a Digital Technology unit of competency.
Her trainer, Jodie, has seen that change unfold firsthand.
“It has been lovely to see her confidence grow since joining the SEE program. She went from not wanting to touch a computer to now enjoying each new digital technology challenge,” Jodie said.
Her Participant Support Officer also helped her obtain a computer of her own, allowing Tania to become more familiar with using a device independently and continue practising at home what she was learning through the program.
Over time, those abilities have started making a difference in her everyday life too.
“The SEE program has made me more confident doing my own research and booking things like doctors’ appointments or restaurant reservations,” Tania said.
“I’m also more confident navigating the internet using different devices.”
There are other things Tania would now like to explore.
One is video calling, so she can use technology as another way of connecting with family and friends. It is something she had not even considered before joining SEE, but is now interested in learning how to do.
Tania says the welcoming environment and guidance from her trainer have also been an important part of her experience.
“It has been a safe learning experience where I feel comfortable in a relaxed environment,” she said.
“All the staff and students have been really friendly, and the teacher has always been there to help and point me in the right direction.”
There is still plenty Tania wants to learn, but she is now approaching technology with a very different sense of what might be possible.
For more information about the Skills for Education and Employment program, contact VERTO on 1300 483 786 or visit www.verto.org.au/skills-for-education-and-employment.
The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
