Clive is the latest person to join the Cosmic team, so we asked him six questions about himself so you can get to know our newest team member a little better.
1. What do you do here at Cosmic?
I’m a Digital Trainer for the Positive People project in Somerset. This is an exciting new project aiming to enable those with less developed IT skills to bring them up to a level suitable for today’s busy workplaces.
2. What’s your favourite part about the job, and what are you most excited about doing?
I’ve a real passion for helping people make the best of themselves. Digital enabling brings our clients into the 21st century – this can be scary for many and for me it’s about making that process as much fun as possible whilst nurturing a new set of skills. The region I’m covering encompasses many types of communities and like most of the South West there are areas of real deprivation. I think as part of Comic’s digital inclusion I can help play a small part in making sure things get better.
3. What do you like most about Cosmic?
Cosmic has a great ethos – there is skilled management of the many wide-ranging projects, but also the social enterprise aspect, a softer, community-based side to the digital inclusion work, which is about finding solutions for all members of society, regardless of background. The staff have been very friendly and welcoming, but also professional and supportive of my transition. I’m really excited about the projects we’re starting.
4. What is the most interesting thing about you or that you have done?
I once answered the phone to Prince Andrew, who had called for my Dad in his capacity as a Royal Navy Liaison Officer. I remember covering the handset and screaming up the stairs “Dad, it’s some guy called Andrew on the phone from the Navy…” only to be told who it was afterwards. Groan!
5. Are you Apple or Android?
I must sit firmly on the fence here; this is almost as divisive as being asked to choose your favourite child! Currently I have an Apple phone and Android tablet, which was vastly cheaper than the Apple equivalent but with a far better feature set. Apple products are fantastic, I’ve been a Mac user in the past, but their current price model is prohibitive in my mind, and only worth considering if the Android alternative doesn’t meet your requirements.
6. What are your hobbies or interests?
I run a small allotment, so will spend most of the next few weekends digging no doubt. It makes a good change from a computer screen, plus I’m a massive big kid at heart and actually like getting muddy! I also play bass guitar in a couple of local bands and am currently trying to learn to read music, something my son makes look so easy, but I’m having to work at.