Nationwide rolls out Digital Lessons programme to boost tech skills

Nationwide rolled out the Digital Lessons programme across all 605 branches to help people build confidence with technology. 

The move came as research found 11.3 million adults lacked essential digital skills. 

The lessons are face to face, last up to 30 minutes and are free for everyone, not just Nationwide customers. 

They cover topics like setting up devices, opening bank accounts, spotting scams and making video calls.

Since July, over 562 events have been held with support given to over 3,000 people. 

Figures showed 4.8 million working-age adults had never been online and over half could not complete all 20 tasks in the UK’s essential digital skills framework. 

Risks linked to digital exclusion included fraud, isolation, mental health issues, financial exclusion, employment barriers, lost savings and communication challenges.

Stephen Noakes, director of retail at Nationwide, said: “Digital exclusion remains one of the most pressing challenges facing society today and for many, the inability to access the internet safely can lead to financial disadvantage.