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Digital Skills in the workplace: Promoting and Selling your product or business online

Course Title: Digital Skills for work: create and build a business through digital marketing Part 1 & 2 (Level 1-2)

Brief course description:

Got a business idea - or want to promote your side hustle or service? This course shows you how to use digital tools like Canva, social media, email, and websites to build a business presence online.

In Part 1, you will explore branding, content creation and setting up a basic online presence. In Part 2, they apply these tools to reach audiences, plan campaigns, use analytics and develop their business or personal brand. You will be introduced to platforms such as Canva, Instagram, Facebook, Mailchimp, Google Sites and AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to support content planning and creation. 

Part 1 - 22.5 hour course (over 9 classes)

Part 1 will focus on introducing tools & platforms used in Digital Marketing (PhotoRoom, Fiverr, Instagram, Pinterest, Website Platforms) with practical intro tasks. 

Objectives:

  • Plan and write simple marketing copy for an audience using clear language
  • Set up and customise a basic website or landing page using free tools like Google Sites.
  • Set up and post on a business Facebook or Instagram page.
  • Create a digital marketing plan to promote a product, service or event.

Part 2 - 22.5 hour course (over 9 classes)

Part 2 will focus on the learner’s individual projects/businesses to develop their brand, create content, plan campaigns, explore additional tools such as Canva, while building the chosen social media platforms / website. In addition, exploring and analysing data to expand audience reach, track views, likes, and engagement. 

Objectives:

  • Create visual content for a business or service using Canva (e.g. posters, social posts).
  • Use AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT or Copilot) to generate content ideas, draft posts or emails.
  • Create a simple email newsletter using tools like Mailchimp or Canva.
  • Track views, likes or engagement using built-in analytics on social platforms.
  • Describe your target audience and choose platforms that suit your business.

Entry requirements:

You should be working towards Level 1 or above in English and be confident using a computer and the internet. You do not need to have a business already — just an idea or interest in self-promotion, freelancing, or creative work.

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:

  • Level 2 vocational courses in Business, Marketing or Administration
  • Self-employment, freelance or creative business support programmes
  • Digital Skills for Work: Microsoft Office Level 2
  • Online portfolio building, content creation or website development courses

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.