"Since 2000, we have been carrying out tasks to bring new technologies closer to the population and, since 2013, we have been a Punt TIC", explains Mercè Marcé, the promoter of the Punt TIC Vilafranca Virtual. Currently, the Punt TIC Vilafranca Virtual focuses its activity on improving digital skills linked to the professional field, as well as on the search for job opportunities. "Over the years, we have adapted our courses to each moment and to each trend. Today, we provide training in digital literacy at different levels, artificial intelligence tools, Canva or Google applications, among others", says Marcé. Along these lines, the Punt TIC also supports residents in completing online procedures and offers numerous training sessions to work on, strengthen and consolidate the digital skills of citizens. "We are part of the Municipal Employment Service of the Vilafranca del Penedès City Council and we have two physical spaces in the municipality. The first physical space focuses on supporting people in job search processes and the second physical space, where we are today, La Fassina, hosts training activities," says Marcé.
"Last week, we started with the spreadsheet. Before that, we learned about the word processor and slide layout. For me, this is my first time at the Punt TIC Vilafranca Virtual, I had always been anxious to train, but I never found the time, and I'm really enjoying it. It gives me a security that I didn't have before with technology," shares Susana, a participant in the introductory course to computing and digital skills at the Punt TIC. "In the classroom, we are trying out the best-known artificial intelligence tools to start getting started in this world. Artificial intelligence is very present in our day-to-day lives and we can't be left behind. In fact, we should never stop training, because new technologies are advancing very quickly," says Rubén, a participant in the Punt TIC artificial intelligence course. The Punt TIC Vilafranca Virtual has become a reference space in Vilafranca del Penedès and the region with a free training program for people aged 16 to 65 that works to improve the employability of citizens in the job search process, promote digital training and eradicate the digital divide.