KEIGHLEY College is staging free digital skills sessions as part of Lifelong Learning Week.

It is collaborating with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Bradford Council to host a series of events for adults.

A wide range of sessions – aimed at learners of all abilities – is being held at locations across West Yorkshire, including Keighley venues.

Lifelong Learning Week, which starts on Monday November 7, is designed to be a celebration of continuous learning and aims to encourage adults to develop new skills.

Latest data indicates that over half of adults don't have the essential digital skills needed for the workplace.

And with as many as nine out of ten businesses across West Yorkshire requiring their staff to have basic digital skills, addressing the gap is a key priority for the area, say organisers of the regional initiative.

Kevin O’Hare, principal at Keighley College, says: "The digital transformation our region has undertaken in recent years means that now, more than ever, we need to ensure our workforce has access to a digital education.

"It is extremely important in preparing individuals for the jobs of tomorrow that we include adults in our conversations and provide them with the opportunity to upskill and 'reskill' their digital understanding.

"So my message to people is whether you are hoping to learn everyday practical skills such as how to use your smartphone or email, or take your first step into a digital career like marketing or coding, there’s something during Lifelong Learning Week for everyone."

Keighley sessions include:

Wednesday, November 9 – Bangladeshi Community Centre, Kensington Street, 9.30am to 11.30am. Maths support using digital devices, including mobile phones and laptop computers. Also use of interactive websites to support numeracy skills, and enabling parents to help their children with numeracy. The session is for parents and community centre users.

Keighley Job Centre, Hanover House, Low Street, 1pm to 3pm. Digital support for job searching online and creating and uploading CVs to job sites. For unemployed over-50s.

Thursday, November 10 – Victoria Primary School, Cartmel Road, 9am to 11am. Using digital devices including mobile phones and laptops to access mental health support and services. For parents of children at the school.

Further information about Lifelong Learning Week in this region and full details of all the events can be found at leedscitycollege.ac.uk/festival-of-learning.

For more information about Lifelong Learning Week nationally, go to the website at festivaloflearning.org.uk/get-involved/lifelong-learning-week.