Develop your Digital Skills

Every adult in Greater Manchester is entitled to free Digital Skills training up to Level 2. If you are interested in a basic digital course, check out our digital map to find your nearest training provider. Not ready for a course just yet? Find a list of our local Digital Drop In sessions or check out our list of free online learning resources to get you started. 

Study Digital Skills at Trafford College

Trafford College offer two free qualifications as part of the government’s strategy to improve the digital skills of the adult population. It is estimated that 22% of adults do not have sufficient digital skills for everyday life and work. Their digital qualifications can be delivered at Entry Level or Level 1 and take between 20 to 30 hours to complete, supported by an experienced tutor. 

In order to get the most out of their Digital Skills courses, the college have incorporated a number of intermediate computer competencies for learners to get the most out of being online. These include topics such as Understanding Social Media, Using Microsoft Programs and Shopping Safely Online. The courses are available to both employed and unemployed, aged 19 and above. Find out more about the courses.

Contact Trafford College Community Learning Team on 0161 886 7441 or email community@tcg.ac.uk if you are interested in starting a Digital Skills course.

Upskill with Skills Bootcamps

Are you already confident with the basics and feel ready to expand and improve your digital skills? Try a Digital Skills Bootcamp - flexible, funded courses of up to 16 weeks designed to help employed or recently unemployed individuals to reskill or upskill. Perfect for those looking to quickly increase their skills, boost their CV and even fast-track into a new job.

This year, the government is investing £2.5 billion in the National Skills Fund as part of its Plan for Jobs. The National Skills Fund will help adults to train and gain the valuable skills they need to improve their job prospects. As part of the National Skills Fund, the government has funded a wide variety of Skills Bootcamps, which offer free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for people looking for a new role or job opportunity. Once you complete the course, you'll have built up sector-specific skills and be fast-tracked to a job interview with a local employer.  

You may be eligible to apply for a Skills Bootcamp if you:

  • are aged 19 or over
  • have the right to work in the UK
  • live in England
  • meet residency requirements – the training provider can check this

If you claim Universal Credit, you can apply and continue to claim benefits.

Find a list of the latest Skills Bootcamps available

Digital Skills Bootcamps at UA92

UA92 is a groundbreaking higher education institution committed to making higher education accessible to all. They have launched a range of free Digital Skills Bootcamps including cloud engineering, web development, data analytics and extended reality. Their programme will provide much-needed digital skills over the course of 8-12 weeks and will open up career opportunities to anyone wanting to start a career in digital. Upon completion of the bootcamp, learners are guaranteed a job interview with an employer.

To find out more about the UA92 Digital Skills Bootcamps, and to register, visit Skills Bootcamps | UA92

iDEA Award

iDEA is the Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award. It's a fun way to develop your digital and enterprise skills, unlock new opportunities and enhance your CV. This is an industry recognised award that will make you stand out from the crowd. Young people and adults alike can work towards an award and it’s totally free. You can learn on your own, with friends or family, in school or with an organised group or club.

It's a digital version of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, open to all ages. There are three levels of Award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. You work towards each award by earning badges online as you learn new skills. Each badge carries points and when you earn enough points, you will receive the award.

The badges are fun and flexible. They cover a wide range of bite size topics: online safety, image and video editing, coding and many more. You can earn iDEA digital badges on your phone, tablet or computer - basically anywhere you can get online. You only need an email address to get started. Visit the iDEA website.