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Digital Skills in the Workplace: Excel for Complete Beginners (Entry 2 to Entry 3)

Course Title: Digital Skills for work: organising and analysing data with Microsoft Excel Part 1 & 2 (Level 1)

Brief course description:

Want to get better at using Excel for work or business? This course will help you organise, sort and analyse data using Microsoft Excel. Learn how to work with formulas, charts and spreadsheets to help you in jobs that use data.

Part 1 - 13.5 hour course (over 9 classes)

Part 1 focuses on building solid Excel foundations — entering and formatting data, using basic formulas, sorting and filtering.

Objectives:

  • Set up a structured worksheet for a work task (e.g., attendance or stock list) with clear headings, number/date formats and a frozen header row, so I can record information consistently.
  • Use SUM, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX to calculate totals and averages for a weekly log, so I can share accurate figures with my tutor/manager.
  • Sort and Filter a table to answer questions (e.g., items under 10 in stock, absences this week), so I can find what I need quickly.

Part 2 - 13.5 hour course (over 9 classes)

Part 2 introduces charts, conditional formatting, and simple data analysis for work and personal productivity.

Objectives:

  • Create a clear chart (column or pie) with titles and data labels and set print area/margins, so I can produce a one-page summary for a meeting.
  • Apply Conditional Formatting (greater than, top/bottom, data bars) to highlight key values, so I can spot issues like low stock or overdue payments at a glance.
  • Use simple analysis tools like COUNTIF or a basic IF to label/count items that meet a condition, so I can monitor targets (e.g., on-time submissions).

Entry requirements:

You should have basic digital skills and some experience using Microsoft Office. You must be confident using a mouse and keyboard, opening and saving files, and typing simple information. You should be working towards or above Level 1 in English.

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:

  • Digital Skills for Work: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook (Level 2)
  • Digital Skills for Work: Create and Build a Business through Digital Marketing
  • Business administration, finance or data-focused vocational courses
  • Workplace training or progression into jobs involving spreadsheets or data

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.