Online learning and resources

There are lots of online resources available to support you and enhance your digital journey. Are you looking to improve your digital skills for work or thinking of changing or developing your career? Upskill using this amazing range of free resources.

Free online learning resources

Learn My Way

Learn My Way is a free learning platform for beginners and improvers. They have a variety of content covering how to use Microsoft Office or how to find a job online. They have lots of free courses for you to learn digital skills to stay safe and connected. Check out their course library.

To register for Learn My Way you'll need to enter your name and email address and choose a password. If you are learning from home, click the ‘Centre’ box. The Trafford Libraries centre code is 3457566.

More online learning resources

  • The Skills Toolkit hosts a range of free courses to help you learn new skills or change jobs. Including general skills (e.g. numeracy) that apply to all sectors and more specialised skills (e.g. Digital design and marketing). Grab this opportunity to build up your existing skill set and discover new talents.
  • Make It Click features free courses, tools and templates that you can trust. You can learn about new apps, improve the skills you already have and take a positive step forward in your work. Courses range from creating a CV with Google Docs, to the basics of LinkedIn.
  • FutureLearn is somewhere to learn with world class universities and industry experts for free. Develop hobbies, new skills and career-changing expertise with flexible courses.
  • Microsoft offer free access to learning materials to make the most of their products. Visit the Microsoft Digital Literacy homepage for a variety of online training videos, or access a range of on demand videos put together as part of Digital Skills Week. Microsoft Excel is an important skill in many jobs, Excel Easy has a range of extensive training guides to help you develop your skills.
  • Google’s Digital Garage is somewhere to learn at your own pace, with flexible and personalised training courses designed to build your confidence and help you thrive. Gain today’s most in-demand skills in Data and Tech or Digital Marketing. Google also have a number of support and guides available for their equivalent of the Microsoft Office package. Check out the Google Workplace Learning Centre to improve your skills with Google Docs, Sheets and Slides.
  • Barclays LifeSkills has been put together to give people the skills, knowledge and confidence they need for work with tools, tips and resources. Whether you are Changing Worklife or want to support your family with the changing world, there should be something for you.
  • OpenLearn is a free learning platform from the Open University. If you want to learn but aren’t not ready to commit to a University course, browse over 900 courses.

E-Libraries

Get the most out of your local library by registering for free. Being a member of the library grants you access to a range of online resources and they are totally free. From eBooks and eAudiobooks, online newspapers and magazines to an online language service – find out more.

Interested in local history? Contact Trafford Local Studies for more information or visit their website Exploring Trafford’s Heritage to view their collection and recent exhibitions.

Digital Unite

‘The internet is everything and anything I need it to be – a shop, library, travel agent, recipe book, restaurant reviewer … even a game.'

When it comes to pursuing our interests, finding information or just having fun, the internet contains spectacular new possibilities. These guides show you just how easy it is to make the most of the many exciting, fun and useful things that the internet has to offer. They also have an extensive range of broader technology guides from computer basics to government services, shopping & banking.

Tiny Happy People

Tiny Happy People is a fantastic resource for parents, helping you develop your child's communication skills. Explore simple activities and play ideas and find out about their amazing early development.

Hobby-focused resources

  • Art and museum lovers can view 10 of the world’s best virtual museum and arts tours
  • Gardening fans can access the Gardeners' World website. It's packed with good ideas, tips, and advice from experts and timely reminders to get the most out of your garden, whatever its size or type.
  • Pinterest is the equivalent of an online notice board ideal for finding ideas like recipes, home and style inspiration, and more. With billions of Pins on Pinterest, you'll always find ideas to spark inspiration. When you discover Pins you love, save them to boards to keep your ideas organised and easy to find.
  • TED talks provide short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less) from science to the arts to global issues there are over 3600 talks to stir your curiosity.
  • The British Museum Online hosts a collection of items & expert commentary related to History, English, Religious Studies & Citizenship.
  • Youtube is an online platform where you can subscribe to channels to watch material on a range of areas from art documentaries to artificial intelligence. National Geographic, National Theatre and The History Channel are just a few examples of organisations you will find on there.