GRANNIES and grandads are being encouraged to wise up to the world wide web at a new training centre in Watford.

Pitman Training is launching a new centre at 77 to 79 High Street, offering nationally and internationally recognised courses covering office, computing and secretarial skills.

Watford's civic mayor Sheila Jones officially opened the centre on Wednesday, August 21, at a ceremony attended by local company directors and college heads.

Courses are aimed at people with all levels of experience, ranging from school-leavers to older people wishing to update their knowledge.

Centre director Mr Steve Hird said: "The courses are aimed at everyone, but one of our target markets are the silver surfers people aged 50 plus who have relatives abroad and want to start emailing and sending photographs, but haven't go a clue how to do it on a PC.

"They can be embarrassed because their grandchildren are little whizzes on the computer.

"The centre has been specially designed to encourage these people to come in.

"We have got partitions so you can learn in privacy or you can sit in a group around a PC."

According to Mr Hird customers can learn how, when and where it's most con- venient with full or part-time courses that can be taken at evenings or weekends.

Learning can be undertaken in a tutor-led classroom or individually with support from a Pitman trainer.

Mr Hird said: "We're very flexible.

"People can learn whenever they want.

"We're open late nights and at weekends and they don't have to wait for a term.

"They can come in to suit themselves and if for one reason they miss a session it is easy to catch up.

"If you're at a college and you miss a session it's tough. People can do as much or as little as they want so if you're a bit of a slow learner, like me, you can take your time and go back over things."

Traditionally Pitman have a reputation for secretarial and shorthand training, but the centre offers a wide range of qualifications including the new European Computer Driving Licence, Sage accountancy package and ledger and book-keeping courses.

A new range of courses called the Get Into series, aimed at giving people a taste of professions such as PR, marketing and journalism will be launched at the end of the year.

Watford residents and firms are being offered the chance to find out more about the range of courses on offer at two open days.

Those interested in a career change or returning to work after a break can visit the centre on Saturday, August 31, when anyone who signs up to a course will receive a 25 per cent discount.

On Wednesday, October 2, local businesses can attend an open day with advice on how to train employees.

Corporate bookings will receive a 25 per cent discount.

The Pitman Training Centre will be open from Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 5.30pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm.

For more information telephone 01923 800033 or visit http://www.pitmantraining.com/