We have launched a series of free IT courses for those who have little to no experience using technology, in addition to those who want to improve their knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite. There’s a wide range of support on offer, suitable for those who would like to gain confidence engaging with technology and software.
For beginners, ACL’s ‘Let’s Get Digital’ course teaches foundation skills and goes back to basics. Course-takers will learn to turn on a device, make use of accessibility tools, ensure passwords and personal information are safe, use the internet to access information and content, and much more. This seven-week course is free and is offered in centres countywide.
For learners a little more confident in their IT capabilities, the ‘Essential Digital Skills’ course is available. This course runs for 18 weeks in centres countywide, and teaches communicating online, using devices and handling information, buying online and more. It is also free of charge to eligible residents.*
For those who would like to brush up on their Microsoft Office skills, we also offer a free Microsoft Office course. Whether you are looking for work, returning to work, or taking on a new job role, we can support you to gain a valued and recognised IT qualification to enhance your skills and CV. The course teaches basic Microsoft Office features, or if learners are ready, they can jump straight into more advanced software programmes. Both online and in-person teaching options are available, with online courses lasting for 40 weeks, while in-person lessons take place at select ACL Essex centres, and last for 45 weeks. Employers can also enrol staff on the course, giving them the opportunity to hone their Microsoft Office skills. These courses are free of charge to eligible residents until 31st July.*
You can also enrol on our free bitesize taster workshops to support you as an adult student and to help your CV stand out from the crowd! These include Improving your assignments, Excel conditional formatting, Word improving CV presentations, and Working with PowerPoint. To view all upcoming courses, view more here.
Learners enrolling onto a course which leads to a qualification may be entitled to financial support with course fees, resources such as textbooks or equipment, IT equipment (including access to Wi-Fi), transport costs and childcare. In addition, ACL Essex offers support to help learners start and stay in learning, if they have a recognised need, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, mental health, anxiety, processing, sight and hearing difficulties, mobility, learning difficulties, ASD etc.
Courses are free until specified dates and are anticipated to be snapped up quickly. To discover more, please visit www.aclessex.com/digital
*Eligibility criteria applies: Successful applicants are required to be 19+ as at 31st August of the current academic year, to meet the residency criteria to be eligible for funding, and to pass initial assessment which evaluates if the requested course would benefit applicant.
