People who come into contact with youngsters will appreciate how fast our world is moving, people communicate with others across the world with dizzying speed. Young people it appears are way ahead in the use of fast moving technology, if you want to know how to operate a computer based product, smart phone or home entertainment system ask a six years old.
So what is the value of handwriting? Is there any point to being able to hand write anything? Actually there is. Employers are steadily turning to hand written tests to establish the level of literacy in the workforce. A capable individual can run up a quick CV using a computer/word processor, the spell checker will correct both spelling and grammar, and with fancy graphics one can have a passable CV with a few hours of effort. By the way, a CV is not the same as an application form because a CV can be ‘crafted’ to boost some aspects of the prospective employees’ career to date whilst glossing over less any notable elements, whereas an application form is a signed statement as to the veracity of the completed document, obtaining employment by deception is at the very least a sack-able offence.
However, getting back to the ability to hand write, a well written letter of application is an ace for the would be employee because it shows a personal ability to write by hand and it shows that the individual is employable for many roles in which written communication is necessary. Hand writing also shows the hand eye coordination of the individual, the ability to use English correctly without the aid of a spell checker. The ‘average’ spell checker uses American spelling; no ‘u’ in colour for example, also it will not know if there is a wrong word in the text; ‘I wish to apply for the job’ – or ‘I do not wish to apply for the job’. Sadly, many people, even in elevated positions do not check what they have written, to their cost. The benefits of handwriting are endless, not least the fact of drawing attention to ones comments simply because they are hand crafted. One does not wish to deny the vast opportunities available to computer users, there is room for both skills.
Presently in Durham City and County there are opportunities for people to gain work in an enormous range of industries. There are service industries from hotels and entertainment complexes, shopping centres and individual small businesses, to manufacturers and distribution facilities right on our doorstep and new opportunities are springing up daily.
For people whose youngsters have their noses permanently in a lap top computer, a smart phone or tablet, beware allowing one’s children to abandon hand writing is unwise. Ones six years old may be able to tell you how to operate your smart phone but they still need to have the basics; the three R’s – reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmatic to excel in the modern world of work.‘
