Three UK has announced the launch of a revamped ‘Discovery’ service offering digital skills and capabilities training instore.

First launched as a concept store before being rolled out nationwide in 2017, Three’s Discovery programme delivers digital training for local communities of all ages and abilities, no matter what network they are on.

The pioneering initiative reflects Three’s ongoing commitment to empower and educate local communities by teaching them essential digital skills, ensuring that mobile technology is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Three’s stores kicked off the first phase of the relaunch in June and all stores have joined since. Over 14,000 Discovery sessions have been given instore since the relaunch, whilst nearly 1000 digital skills workshops have also been presented to almost 25,000 people in local communities.

The Discovery team plan, design, create and deliver key learning that supports digital capability and better connectivity, every day, for everyone. In order to best drive long-term skills take-up, the team deliver the sessions with a hands-off approach – encouraging attendees to take the practical steps needed while they are guided through it.

Bespoke leadership training has also been delivered to over 5000 people from particular groups in the local community, including scout leaders and teachers, to further enhance their digital skill set.

In December, the Discovery team also helped to launch Three UK’s Connected Communities campaign; a pilot initiative supported by Lenovo, to equip three youth clubs across Leeds and Birmingham with 5G broadband, Lenovo Smart Tab M8 tablets and learning sessions by Three Discovery to help tackle the digital divide.

Pandemic-induced hiatus

The Discovery team at Three continued to champion digital learning even in the height of the pandemic, supporting virtual sessions in light of the restrictions.

In-person workshops to children in education made their way back in September 2021. The Discovery team delivered over 8,000 hours of essential learning to schools, providing both resources and technology for students that could help to overcome the digital poverty gap.

Craig Miller, Head of Retail at Three, said:

“Internet-connected tech is more important than ever, but the pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis are exacerbating the digital divide. We are committed to building a network for all of the UK and that means ensuring customers and communities up and down the country can benefit from tech that makes life and work that little bit easier.

“Our instore Discovery sessions are designed to empower and educate people of all ages and abilities to develop the skills needed for a digital world. No question is too silly, and no solution too hard to find. The feedback from customers has always been incredibly positive, and it’s been heartening to hear these comments once more. We look forward to rolling this out further over the coming months.”

Three’s original press release can be found here. 

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