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

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

Brief course description:

Do you want to advance your Excel skills? This course helps you organise, analyse and present data confidently using Excel. Learn essential spreadsheet skills for jobs in admin, business, education or self-employment - including using formulas, charts and AI tools.

 Part 1 - 13.5 hour course (over 9 classes)

Part 1 focuses on using functions, formatting, and working with large datasets. 

Objectives:

  • Import or paste a list (e.g., stock/attendance), turn it into a table, fix dates, remove duplicates and freeze the header row, so I can keep large records accurate and easy to scan.
  • Use SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX and a simple IF (e.g., Over Budget/OK), so I can monitor performance against a goal.
  • Apply Sort/Filter (numbers, text, dates) and basic Conditional Formatting (greater than, data bars), so I can spot low stock, late items or outliers at a glance.

Part 1 - 13.5 hour course (over 9 classes)

Part 2 develops analytical skills including pivot tables, advanced formulas, and visualisation tools. You will also be introduced to AI-powered Excel features.

  • Use COUNTIF and SUMIF (single condition), so I can report counts/amounts that meet a simple rule (e.g., orders over £50, late entries).
  • Set number/date formats, headings and print area/fit to one page, so I can hand over a tidy one-page summary to a manager.
  • Try an AI-powered Excel feature (e.g., Analyze Data/Copilot) to suggest insights and draft a short summary, then check and refine it, so I can make a simple recommendation (e.g., reorder levels) based on the numbers.

 

Entry requirements:

You should already be confident using Excel at Level 1, including entering and formatting data, using basic formulas, and creating simple charts. You should be working towards Level 1 or above in English and be comfortable with independent learning and following multi-step instructions.

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:

  • Advanced business or data-focused vocational courses (e.g. Business Admin, Bookkeeping)
  • Office-based roles requiring confident data handling (e.g. PA, project assistant, finance support)
  • Self-employment or freelance work involving reporting, planning or budgeting
  • Further digital upskilling (e.g. Google Sheets, Power BI, Access, or online analytics 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.