Adult Skills and Community Learning

Course content

The course will help you to build your digital and employability skills. It also covers the basics of how to use Microsoft 365 which may be used in the workplace.

The course covers:

  • Word
  • PowerPoint
  • Excel
  • communication skills
  • how to be safe online

The course covers tasks and the documents used in an admin role. You'll work on your own as well as in a team to improve your communication skills.

By the end of the course you'll achieve a Gateway Qualification Entry Level Certificate in Progression (Entry 3).

This course will help you to:

Build skills to create and edit documents. Key areas include:

  • Using Word. How to enter text, edit and format documents, save and load files, use templates and page layouts.
  • Using Excel. How to enter and present data, use formulas, charts and graphs.
  • Using PowerPoint. How to prepare and present slide shows which include charts, shapes and images. How to use templates and themes, making sure data is displayed and doesn't contravene copyright laws.
  • Communication skills. Written and oral skills for the workplace.
  • Email skills. How to send and receive emails, use attachments and where these are stored. How to use email safely, common problems and how to solve issues.
  • E-safety. Ways to stay safe online and when using different types of technology. Understanding positive and negative online behaviours and how to respond. Knowing about website, app and video game regulations that they are there to keep people safe.

The assessment for the course is portfolio based, with evidence to support skills and knowledge.

You'll also build the following skills for work:

  • Working as part of a team, sharing ideas and helping others to complete a task.
  • Having a good attitude to plan your own work and complete it within a set timeframe.
  • Being a good listener and following instructions.
  • Being able to adapt the way you work when things change or you need to switch tasks quickly.
  • Being resilient and be able to stick with a task. Even if things don’t go to plan you should learn from setbacks.
  • Build your literacy and numeracy skills.

Course delivery

This is a nine week course. You'll attend twice a week in a face to face classroom setting.

What you need

  • A mobile phone that can receive text messages. (You don't need to have credit on the phone).
  • A folder, paper or notebook, and a pen.
  • Time - at least one hour a week to complete the tasks set during each session.
  • To attend all sessions.

Entry requirements

Its essential that you:

  • Have a commitment to learning.
  • Are getting ready for, looking for or moving on in work.
  • Have time management and communication skills.
  • Have a willingness to complete work outside of the session.

You need to have already completed at least one of the following with us:

  • Information advice and guidance and initial assessment on the BKSB or Microsoft software.
  • Getting Started with digital skills course.
  • Setting Up Microsoft 365 course.

The level you study will be decided by the result of your initial assessment. 

You'll be given an Office 365 account but it's essential your own mobile phone can receive text messages to activate this.

Course fees

The fee for the course is £228.50. This includes all course resources and costs.

Fee remission is available if you're in receipt of means tested benefits or on a or low income. Please ask us for more details.

How to apply

Progression

After completing this course you could move onto:

  • Essential digital skills for work and life entry 3/level 1
  • Digital and ICT skills level 1 and level 2
  • Confident communication skills

For more information

Call (01226) 775270

What our learners say

  • Starting on this course has been really good for me because I need to learn how to use IT and websites for getting back into work.
    Adult learner