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Essential digital skills for work
Build your digital skills and confidence at work
Most jobs involve some digital skills, from sending emails to using workplace systems. You may not feel confident with this and that's ok. Being comfortable online in your day-to-day life is a good start and can help you in the workplace too.
Building these skills can help you to:
- create a CV and apply for jobs
- feel more confident to create and edit documents
- navigate workplace systems
- understand how to stay safe online
If you’re currently looking for work, doing some training to improve your digital skills could make a difference in helping you find your next role.
You don't need to start from the very beginning, you can build on the skills you already have at your own pace. For most people, courses are free.
Essential digital skills
Essential digital skills are the everyday skills that you need to work with technology confidently.
There are 5 main digital skills areas that industry and government agree people need for work and everyday life:
- communicating
- handling information and content
- transacting
- problem solving
- being safe and legal online
As artificial intelligence (AI )tools become a bigger part of working life, understanding how to use them is really useful too. You don’t need previous experience to get started.
There are courses that will introduce AI tools and explain how they can be used safely and effectively with confidence.
Why digital skills matter
Most jobs require digital skills, from sending emails to managing online systems. Being comfortable with using technology in everyday life is a great start. With a little more practice, you can use digital tools confidently at work too.
Whether you're moving into a new role at work or looking to progress, you can build digital skills at any stage and age.
With the right support, learning something new is easier than you might think.
What you'll learn
You'll learn how to apply digital skills to every day work tasks, including:
- video calls, online chat and meetings
- word processing, spreadsheets and file management
- finding and evaluating information online
- staying safe online, including spotting scams and avoiding phishing
- using AI tools effectively and safely
What you could gain
Some essential digital skills courses lead to a formal qualification. The type and level of qualification will depend on the course provider.
Most courses are free, and many can be done online at your own pace.
After completing a course, you could:
- feel more confident at work
- improve your job prospects
- increase your earning potential by up to £840 a year
- explore other free courses or move on to more advanced training
Entry requirements for essential digital skills courses
Most adults can access a fully funded essential digital skills course, subject to course and provider eligibility requirements. You should:
- be aged 19 or older
- live in England
If you're under 19, there are other digital courses available to you. You can check entry requirements with the course provider.
Find courses through the Get careers information and advice website.
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