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Digital Skills in the workplace: Using Excel, Word, Outlook, Powerpoint - Intermediate Level 1

Course Title: Digital Skills for work: Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook part 1 & 2 (Level 1 - ONLINE)

Brief course description:

This course is designed for learners who are ready to develop their Microsoft Office skills at Level 1 in a flexible online setting. It covers the key software used in most workplaces — Word for document creation, Excel for data entry and calculations, PowerPoint for presentations, and Outlook for email and calendars.

The course is delivered online in live weekly sessions, supported by self-study tasks and online resources. You will develop practical digital skills through work-related tasks such as formatting CVs, analysing data in Excel, preparing presentations, and organising work through email and calendars. 

Objectives:

  • Create, edit and format professional documents in Microsoft Word (e.g. CVs, letters).
  • Enter and format data in Excel and use simple formulas (e.g. totals, averages).
  • Sort and filter data in Excel to identify patterns or trends.
  • Create a PowerPoint presentation using themes, images, and animations.
  • Write and respond to emails in Outlook, using folders and flags to manage messages.
  • Use the Outlook calendar to schedule appointments and set reminders.
  • Use cloud storage (OneDrive) to save, share and collaborate on files.
  • Apply digital safety skills (e.g. recognising scams, managing passwords).
  • Use AI tools (e.g. Copilot, ChatGPT) to support document creation or planning.
  • Communicate professionally and effectively in an online learning environment.

Entry requirements:

You should be confident using a computer and managing basic digital tasks independently. You must have access to a reliable internet connection, a laptop or desktop computer, and a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office. You should be working towards Level 1 or above in English.

Equipment required :

As these sessions take place online, you will need to be able to join the sessions from a personal computer with access to the internet. Your device will need to be able to access a web browser, and use a mouse/trackpad, and keyboard. You will also need a webcam and microphone to join the Teams video conferencing platform.

What courses can I go on to:

  • Digital Skills for Work: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (Level 2)
  • Digital Skills for Work: Organising and Analysing Data with Microsoft Excel (Level 1)
  • Digital Skills for Work: Create and Build a Business through Digital Marketing
  • Employment, apprenticeships or vocational training at Level 1 or 2

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.