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DIGITAL SKILLS

Digital skills can be anything from using social media and staying safe online to coding and programming. The digital world is constantly evolving and changing, ranging from the types of connectivity to devices used.

We understand there are approximately 10million people in the UK who lack the essential digital skills for life. This means that one in five people do not have the same opportunities and resources, such as accessing government services online, searching for health advice and guidance or struggle to communicate.

There are many resources available to residents and businesses that need help or information on digital skills, including the following:

Question 1

Can you turn on and log on to a device?

(such as a laptop, PC, tablet/iPad)

Question 2

Can you use the following Device controls:

Mouse, Keyboard or Touchscreen?

Question 3

Do you know how to change the device settings?

Such as Text size, Volume or Brightness?

Question 4

Do you know how to open different applications

Such as Microsoft Word, or a Weather app?

Question 5

Do you know how to connect a device to a WiFi network?

Question 6

Do you know how to find and navigate websites?

Question 7

Do you know how to change and update your device passwords?

Here are some of the benefits of being online:

Video chat with family and friends

Access health & government services

Increase learning and employment opportunities

Stream films and watch catch-up tv

Resources

Available to residents and businesses that need help or information on digital skills

Staffordshire Community Learning

Staffordshire Community Learning has a range of adult courses available for Staffordshire residents aged 19 and over. These courses are available in both a classroom-based environment and online. Most of these courses are fully funded and free to access. 

Learn My Way

Learn My Way offers free courses to help you develop your digital skills and make the most of the online world. Find out what it has to offer here. 

Staffordshire Libraries

Your local Staffordshire library can offer a range of services to help with your digital skills, including free computer guides, telephone IT support and an IT buddy system. 

Make It Click

Make It Click is another website featuring free courses, tools and templates that you can trust. It offers help on subjects such as careers, social media, working remotely and documents etc.

The Skills Toolkit

This is a new campaign and collection of online courses from central government. Digital and numeracy skills are amongst those that are most sought after by employers and can help you progress in work and boost your job prospects. You can choose from a selection of high-quality courses put together in collaboration with experts. Find a level and time to study that is right for you.

Google Online Courses

Discover a range of free learning content designed to help grow your business or jump start your career.

Microsoft Office Support

Microsoft Office software is available for free online, or for a subscription cost that can be used at home or within an organisation. Various tutorials and guides for this software can be found online:

Excel for Windows training
Word for Windows training
Powerpoint for Windows training

ITBEP (Information Technology Business Enhancement Programme)

Digital Advisors are available to give small to medium businesses free support. These businesses will receive advice and information on using information technology to become more efficient and productive.

Stoke on Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub

This service is available to all local businesses who feel they could do with some support or a helping hand with growing their business.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

Staffordshire Chambers’ mission is to help their members play their part in increasing the prosperity and opportunities for the people of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and to lead the way in changing the economy to be low carbon, with well paid jobs and exciting innovation. They aim to do this by supporting businesses to be successful, ethical and effective and help them at every stage of their life cycle.