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Prepare for Your Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 Qualification

Course Title: Digital Skills for work: becoming confident using Microsoft Office part 1 & 2 (Entry 3 - Level 1)

Brief course description:

This course is ideal if you want to become more confident using Microsoft Office for everyday work-related tasks. It is suitable for those at Entry Level 3 who are preparing to progress to Level 1, or if you are already working or volunteering who need to refresh their digital skills.

In Part 1, you will practise using Word to create professional documents like letters, CVs and posters, and use PowerPoint to create and deliver simple presentations. In Part 2, you will develop their digital communication skills using email and online collaboration tools, explore safe and efficient internet use, and learn to use digital tools such as AI for work-related writing and productivity. 

Objectives:

  • Create and format a professional document in Word (e.g. letter, CV, application).
  • Use tools like bullets, headings and tables to organise text clearly.
  • Create a simple PowerPoint presentation and add text, images and transitions.
  • Save, organise and manage files and folders on a device.
  • Communicate using formal and informal emails with links and attachments.
  • Complete and submit an online job or service application form.
  • Use online calendars or shared collaborative documents to support team tasks.
  • Use internet search strategies to find reliable work-related information.
  • Use AI tools (e.g. Copilot, ChatGPT) to help draft emails, job applications or ideas.
  • Recognise and manage digital risks (e.g. passwords, phishing, scams).

Entry requirements:

You should have completed an Entry Level 2 course or equivalent experience using computers and Microsoft Word. You should be confident typing short paragraphs and following multi-step instructions in English at Entry 3 level or above.

Equipment required :

Some sessions may take place online. You will be notified in advance if a session is due to take place online. You may join these sessions using any personal device or computer - wifi is also available in the Idea Stores. If you do not have a device available, there may be support available for a loan device.

What courses can I go on to:

  • Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 or Level 1 (Gateway qualification)
  • Digital Skills for Work: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (Level 1 or Level 2)
  • Vocational or employability courses requiring basic digital skills
  • Volunteering, job search, or part-time work using digital tools

What examination is there:

There is no examination for this course. You will agree learning goals with your tutor which you must achieve by the end of the course.

How will I know I am making progress:

At the start of the course, your tutor will talk with you about which of your digital skills you need to practise most and help you create an individual learning plan. Throughout the course, you will have a tutorial meeting to discuss your strengths, areas for improvement, and any problems you may have. You will keep a folder with your work, which will help you review your learning outside of class. Your tutor will give you regular feedback on your class work and homework to help you improve. To make progress, you need to attend all your classes and do work outside of class.

Other info:

One of our aims is to help you make progress in work or future studies. We also want to help you participate in your communities and become an active citizen. In our classes, you will develop important skills that employers value and that will help you in everyday life. Here’s what you will learn:

Communication Skills: You will learn to speak and write more clearly and confidently. This includes practising conversations for work, writing emails, and filling out forms.

Decision-Making: You will learn how to make good choices by evaluating different options and thinking critically about situations.

Teamwork: You will learn how to work well with others.

Problem-Solving: You will develop the ability to identify problems and find effective solutions, useful in both work and daily life.

Time Management: You will practice managing your time effectively, including setting goals and meeting deadlines.

By improving these skills, you will increase your chances of finding a job, advancing in your career, and becoming an active member of your community.

Extra support

We can help you if you tell us you have a learning difficulty, disability or other support needs. Please tell us when you enrol or in your first class.