Who We Are
Silver Training was started in 2010. We saw there was a gap in the market for a personal computer tuition service in the home. One designed for people who often had no choice but to join a large group course away from their house.
We spoke to a lot of people who wanted a tutor to come to them, learn on their own computer and receive flexible tuition to suit their needs. Silver Training was born and began its life serving just one village in Oxfordshire.
We now cover many locations across the UK and cater for the estimated 6 million people over 50 in this country that are not online or have any computer skills.
Our Tutors
Silver Training appoints experienced tutors who are knowledgeable on PCs and Apple Macs. They can help with any issue and are experts at training beginners.
Our tutors are all CRB checked and covered by the relevant insurances and liabilities.
We invest a lot of time finding the right tutors and have a fantastic team working for us around the UK. Our tutors are polite, patient, friendly, experienced and prompt! They are knowledgeable on a wide range of topics and skilful at teaching subjects in the simplest way.
Tutor Name
Location
Profile
Sue Hill
Banbury
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Sue Hill
Banbury
I have lived in the Banbury area since my husband, son and I moved here from High Wycombe in 1992. We got our first computer for Christmas 1996. It fascinated me and almost immediately I wanted to learn how to use it to its full potential. I have been a freelance teacher for over a year and it has always been extremely rewarding for me as a teacher to see clients’ confidence and skills improve. They have ranged in age from 50 to 80+. I am by nature very warm, friendly and patient, finding it easy to adapt to a comfortable learning pace for each individual. Computers are my main hobby. I also love reading, music and spending time with friends and family.
Judi Dowling
Bath
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Judi Dowling
Bath
I have a wealth of experience in computer training, starting when the first Word Processors began to replace the traditional office typewriter to today’s new and powerful technology. Throughout my career I have worked for a number of companies in the Information Technology industry and also as an independent IT trainer. I understand how daunting new technology can be and hope that my extensive knowledge and training experience will help clients make the most of their computers and learn new skills to benefit their everyday lives. In my spare time I join in with the occasional game of golf and tennis and play the piano.
Ian Morris
Bognor Regis
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Ian Morris
Bognor Regis
I have been involved with teaching and training for a number of years and have also worked closely with computers. In Silver Training I am delighted to be able to bring these two elements together, to help those who consider themselves beginners at computing and to discover the essential skills to enjoy and get the best out of their computers. I have lived in West Sussex for the last 10 years. I enjoy exploring such a wonderful part of our country. I love football and have 4 super kids with whom I like to spend as much time as is possible.
Rupert Gibb
Bournemouth
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Rupert Gibb
Bournemouth
As an Engineering graduate I come from a technical background and have been working with computers for over 17 years. I have experience of teaching at various levels from complete beginners upwards. I have extensive knowledge of software use and installation, hardware configuration, graphic design and music technology. I work part-time as a technician at Bournemouth Pavilion and as a freelance sound designer and composer. I want to help clients become masters of their computers and discover what amazing things can be done with them. Other interests include film, classical music, learning to play the cello, sport and coastal walks.
Jill Adams
Bristol
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Jill Adams
Bristol
I have completed many courses in training, including “on the job training” with the HCITB. In the 1970s I worked for a major company running training courses in Word Processing and successfully completed a “train the trainers” course. After raising my children, I spent several years working for a large electrical company providing remote assistance to pc and mac users, some of whom had just purchased their first computer. I’m in my fifties and like to see people who were not born in the computer age being able to take advantage of how computers can benefit their lives. In my spare time I enjoy digital photography, music , gardening and vegetarian cookery.
Sarah Mcleod
Canterbury
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Sarah Mcleod
Canterbury
I studied for a degree in education at Rolle College in Exmouth. On graduating I spent many years teaching in North Kent. Since moving to Whitstable I have continued to teach; teaching all ages from 3 year olds to adult learners. Throughout these recent years my computer has helped me enormously; preparing lesson plans, researching the best possible learning activities, contacting friends and colleagues, booking holidays, and of course, bringing me ‘retail therapy’ through internet shopping and eBay. I possess a massive enthusiasm for computers; and hold an immense value for education. I now relish in the prospect of combining the two.
Michael Norledge
Cheltenham
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Michael Norledge
Cheltenham
I started working life as a Trainer for Boots The Chemist, travelling the south west area making sure all members of staff were trained on the tills and in the back office. I then moved into a second training role, working for a Cheltenham based company who were involved in computer systems for Ambulance Services across the UK & Ireland. I recently finished working for Gloucestershire College, training and supporting mature students wishing to know more about I.T or wanting to gain an I.T qualification to improve their job prospects. My other passions in life are travel, food & wine.
Jill Piercy
Cirencester
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Jill Piercy
Cirencester
I have extensive experience in the printing and communications industry where I worked throughout the UK helping businesses of different sizes to produce printed and online catalogues to market their products to customers. Training initially in a university library in the early 90′s when computers were still relatively uncommon my career advanced embracing the rapid growth of the digital age. Today use of computers at work and at home is integral to my daily life. I enjoy the outdoor life, gardening, tending to my allotment and walking with my rescued greyhound.
Ivor Tarrant
Crawley
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Ivor Tarrant
Crawley
I have over 30 years business experience of which over 25 years has been spent within the computer industry, initially as an computer electronics engineer, then as a hardware and software installation and support consultant and finally into software sales. I also have extensive experience in training individuals and groups on software and system usage. I have a first class honours degree in Photography and a diploma in Business Management. I have run my own businesses for over 25 years including a multi-million £ software house. I now enjoy a relaxed lifestyle working as a portrait photographer and wildlife image artist.
Pat Cunningham
Dorchester
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Pat Cunningham
Dorchester
I have enjoyed a long, happy and varied teaching career, working in Primary Schools, ranging from large schools in London to small village schools in rural areas. I was a head teacher for 5 years before taking early retirement and joining a charity which provides health and drug education to children in Dorset schools. I am keen to use my experience, skills and talents to benefit others. I enjoy meeting people and I am patient and sensitive the needs of others. I also have a keen sense of humour and believe that any learning should be fun! With a grown up family and a granddaughter, 2 cats and a horse, I am very active and enjoy gardening, dancing and riding across the countryside.
Kieran Wills
Eastbourne
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Kieran Wills
Eastbourne
I have always been interested in computers since I was very young. I love taking things apart and finding out how they work. I enjoy working on cars and computers and socialising with friends. Being a Silver Training tutor is my ideal mesh of furthering my computer knowledge and helping others.
Andrew Pearson
Edinburgh
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Andrew Pearson
Edinburgh
I have been interested in computers for a long time and have used a Mac computer at home since 1987. I worked for the Scottish Parliament for over 12 years in their IT department, initially maintaining the website there, but latterly also supporting MSPs and staff with their use of Windows software. I also work with a local voluntary organisation who run group classes for beginner computer users in two sheltered housing locations and find the work stimulating, very rewarding and great fun too. I am delighted when something ‘clicks’ with a user and they begin to see the potential of their computer. I am interested in digital photography, travel, walking and reading.
Tracey Beaney
Exmouth
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Tracey Beaney
Exmouth
I have used Microsoft software since its introduction in 1992 whilst working as a PA for blue chip companies in the Home Counties. My first introduction to computer software was using Alan Sugar’s Amstrad personal computer – probably a collector’s item now! Since moving to Devon 9 years ago, I have helped local retired people get to grips with their new laptops on an ad hoc basis. Some of these clients have since become family friends. I enjoy seeing the older and wiser generation getting to grips with new technology.
Steve Twomey
Guildford
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Steve Twomey
Guildford
I have worked in the financial services sector for over 20 years holding various roles at all levels. I would invariably be the person that colleagues and friends would turn to for assistance and guidance with IT queries and support. However big or small the problem I enjoy solving it and I love helping people to learn shortcuts and understand software so that PC’s are easier to use. When I am not working you will either find me on a long walk with my two dogs, playing tennis or squash or cooking up a home recipe.
Neil Duncan
Hastings
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Neil Duncan
Hastings
I have over 20 years’ experience delivering instructional software courses at both corporate and end user level. I have instructed candidates on courses ranging from Microsoft Certification to complex data warehousing projects. I have also designed tutor handbooks and training material. I hope to bring all these skills and my experience to improve the capabilities of Silver Training’s clients in my area. My pastimes include Music, Theatre, Opera, Family History and Literature.
Ian Fay
Isle of Wight
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Ian Fay
Isle of Wight
I have had a lifetime career in computing, mainly in the insurance and telecommunications sectors. My work has taken me all over the United Kingdom and to Ireland working for mainly large but some smaller organisations. I started in computer operations and progressed through programming, analysis and design to eventually running my own department. Latterly I was a project management consultant. Now my aim is to use the knowledge and experience that I have gained to help others use their computers with confidence. I play the guitar and having recently moved house have taken on the renovation of a large garden.
Martin Higdon
Maidenhead
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Martin Higdon
Maidenhead
Since retiring in 2005 I have lived in Mallorca in order to spend time with my grandchildren who were born there. My other grandchildren live in Tokyo. I have therefore been able to indulge my interest in travel and have been to many parts of the world. I spent the latter part of my working life teaching computer skills to children and young adults with Special Educational Needs. Some had learning difficulties, others were very able but all had a difficulty preventing them from reaching their full potential in mainstream school. Now that most of the family, including myself, are back living in England I shall have time to enjoy helping others to be amazed at what modern technology can do to enhance their lives.
Michael Rolton
Moreton in Marsh
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Michael Rolton
Moreton in Marsh
I am an accountant by trade who became a deputy city treasurer in 1991. More recently, I have enjoyed working in adult social care on risk management, business continuity and other control areas. I gained my Master’s degree in 2010 before retiring from local government in April 2012. I am married with two children. I attend drama classes and enjoy reading and playing a little golf. Having chaired an IT information board in the city and worked with both laptops and personal computers for many years, I am looking forward to sharing both my experience and knowledge of IT with fellow over 50′s in the North Cotswolds.
Dave Sutherland
New Forest
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Dave Sutherland
New Forest
I spent 25 years working for ExxonMobil which relied on the use of computers. I have also brought up two children with all the technological demands that involved. Thus I know the computer areas that are important to the average user and those areas of little use. I teach on a ‘need to know’ basis. I want to encourage confidence and fun when using computers.
Stephen Thomas
Oxford
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Stephen Thomas
Oxford
Following my employment as a Web designer for the University of Southampton, I moved into the educational software industry where I published numerous products teaching students how to use computers effectively. I’ve since become the first point of call to fix computer problems for friends and family and I really enjoy showing people how they can computers to make life easier. Outside of computers I have a two year old son who keeps me very busy. When I have time, I enjoy writing, watching films and going on family walks.
Malcolm Brown
Paignton
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Malcolm Brown
Paignton
Having been a Creative working in London for 25 years as a Graphic Designer I always used Apple Mac / PC computers and their software. I have been involved in marketing clients, promoting their company and designing their corporate identity. I successfully set up and ran a night class in Creative Photography and Drawing at a local College. I enjoyed teaching the range of ages and abilities of the students enrolled, which is why I want to continue teaching and loved the opportunity that Silver Training offered. Outside of work, I enjoy being a photographer for Paignton Zoo and visiting art galleries and museums.
Paul Foley
Southampton
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Paul Foley
Southampton
I have used computers at home and work since 1981 and love to empower people with new skills. My experience includes building PC’s, desktop support, maintaining website pages on RoyalMail.com, desk top publishing of E-Newsletters, Books, and Software packaging. I am very friendly and patient and my goal is to equip clients with the skills and knowledge to ensure you can get the most out of your own computer.
David Tomlinson
Taunton
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David Tomlinson
Taunton
I started my education career teaching children who found learning harder than most and secretly hoped that computers would not impinge upon me. However computers were the latest ‘must have’ for my own children and I looked on in wonder and amazement at what they could do. I had a go to keep up with them and I’m glad I did because computers quickly became a central feature of my working life. My girls no longer live at home but we stay in touch by Skype and email, including letter writing, sending birthday cards, shopping on-line, making posters and looking at the news,. When not using my laptop I enjoy writing, cooking, sports and gardening.
Kate Hopkins
Warwick
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Kate Hopkins
Warwick
I have always been involved in using computers and have developed a number of bespoke systems to help improve efficiencies in the office environment. By working with Silver Training I can use my skills and experience with computers to help people better use the technology available to them in their homes to make life easier and more interactive. I live just outside Warwick with my young family. We have a smallholding with a number of animals including a pet turkey. My other hobbies including reading and country pursuits.
Sally Allnutt
Weston Super Mare
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Sally Allnutt
Weston Super Mare
I worked as a secretary when personal computers began to be introduced into offices, and spent several years working with all sorts of word processing systems until things became standardised. My work history since then has included being a freelance secretary for small businesses. Currently owning a PC, a Mac laptop, and an iPad, I enjoy using computers for everything from emailing and the Internet to writing and film editing. When away from my computers I enjoy walking , reading and cooking.
Sarah de Buriatte
Witney
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Sarah de Buriatte
Witney
Computers have always been a part of my working and home life and I find it difficult to remember a life without them. I love the time they save, how they make difficult things (numbers for me) easy, the world of instant information they open up, the music, the books, the films and the shopping! All so amazingly accessible. And I love that I can talk, or write, to my family wherever they are and just about whenever I want to. How brilliant is that! I truly relish the opportunity that it gives me to share some of the huge benefits, and the fun, that I believe computers and the internet have to offer us.
Robert Preston
Worcester
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Robert Preston
Worcester
I have been involved with computers throughout my career including working for four major computing companies. I have extensive experience in the areas of training, having implemented systems and trained users at all levels in small, medium and large organisations. This has included one to one and group training. I have used personal computers since their introduction. I wanted to become a Silver Training tutor to help older people to use home computers and the Internet to enhance their communication with friends and family, and generally to make their lives more interesting and easier. My hobbies include watercolour painting, walking, reading, travel, golf and watching most sports.
Click on the links below to listen to one of our tutors and a client on:
BBC Radio Sussex
BBC Radio Oxford
as part of Get Online Week 2010
