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Improving your computer and IT skills

Improving your computer skills can help you keep in touch with friends and family, get on at work or to help with further learning. Choose from a range of courses, from free online taster sessions to courses leading to qualifications.

How to improve your computer skills

Developing computer or information technology (IT) skills can help you access a range of resources and services, such as online banking or shopping. If you want to progress to further learning, getting to grips with computers and the internet can also help you save time and give you access to lots of free online resources for your coursework and research.

Find a course to boost your computer skills

there's a course to suit you, whatever your level of experience

There are computing courses at all levels, for beginners and beyond. Many courses are flexible, so you can learn when you want and at your own pace. Courses are often called IT or ICT (Information and Communications Technology). You can also do specific courses on topics such as using the internet or email, and learn to touch-type.

Advice on courses to improve your computer skills

There's plenty of help and advice available to help you find a computer course that suits you.

Free advice by phone

For free and impartial guidance over the phone, contact a local Careers Adviser

You can also arrange to get advice in person from your local Careers Office.

Qualifications in computing and IT

Essential Skills ICT

Essential Skills ICT aims to give you the opportunity to develop practical ICT skills to use in the area you are currently employed or wish to gain employment in and for your own personal need. Qualifications can be achieved at Level 1 and Level 2. Achievement at Level 2 is comparable to GCSE standard. The topics studied include:  

  • concepts of IT  
  • using the computer and managing files
  • spreadsheets
  • presentations
  • internet and email

The tutor will assist you in determining the correct level of study. Essential Skills ICT classes are Free. To find available courses visit the Essential Skills section on nidirect.

European Computer Driving Licence

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is a qualification from the British Computer Society which is recognised internationally. You can do the course in a learning centre or as a flexible distance learning course. It's made up of seven modules:

  • basic concepts of IT
  • using the computer and managing files
  • word processing
  • spreadsheets
  • databases
  • presentations
  • internet and email

The Advanced ECDL course covers:

Computer Literacy And Information Technology (CLAIT)

The Computer Literacy and Information Technology (CLAIT) course is a nationally recognised qualification. It's available at three levels:

  • New
  • Plus
  • Advanced

The course covers word processing, spreadsheets and databases. You can choose to take units individually, combine units to work towards a qualification, or do a combination of units to suit your needs.

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