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Pick and Mix Digital Skills for you and your business

26 July 2024

Do you and your business need some digital skills?  The council has a number of free business support projects for Preston businesses including these fantastic fully funded digital training courses

Called Digital Skills for Employment  - "Pick and Mix" - not the Woolworths variety, but a great choice of digital courses to suit you and your business.  And these courses are funded through Preston's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The digital 'Pick and Mix' training courses from UK Skills Academy offer a comprehensive and interactive learning experience designed to equip participants with those essential digital skills for today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Through a blend of self-learning and engaging modules, hands-on exercises with a tutor, and quizzes, learners can delve into topics ranging from programming fundamentals to data analytics and cyber security principles.

With the flexibility to learn at your own pace and access course materials from any device, you will gain valuable insights and practical knowledge to excel in various industries.

Who is the course aimed at?

Whether someone is looking to start their digital skills journey or advance into Level 3 - there is a flexible course to meet your needs. You can sharpen your coding abilities, improve your digital marketing strategies, or simply gain a better understanding of emerging technologies.  The courses offer comprehensive instruction and hands-on practice to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in today's digital-driven world.

How it works

Choose any three modules, from the list below, to make up your bespoke, flexible learning plan which will begin after enrolment.

Eligibility criteria

These courses are funded through Preston's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

  • Employed or self-employed
  • 16 plus
  • Live or work in Preston

How long will it take?

Your chosen modules will run up to 4 weeks. You will be assigned a coach for training, time for self learning and 1:1s for support.

Level 2 modules

  • Digital Marketing for Business
  • Email Marketing
  • Search Engine Optimisation
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Developing Digital Career Skills
  • Digital Communication and Productivity
  • Digital Data, Communications and Collaborations
  • Digital Skills Introduction
  • Safety and Security when using Digital Devices for Beginners
  • Improving Productivity Using IT for Beginners
  • Internet Safety for IT Users
  • IT Communication Fundamentals for Beginners
  • Presentation Software for Beginners
  • Spreadsheet Software for Beginners
  • Using Microsoft Word for Beginners
  • Introduction to Cyber Security
  • Understand Common Threats to Cyber Security
  • Understand Legal and Ethical Aspects of Cyber Security
  • Understand Methods of Maintaining Cyber Security
  • Understand Terminology in Cyber Security

Level 3 modules

  • Collection, Processing and Preparation of Data
  • Communication and Presentation of Data
  • Interpretation of Data
  • Introduction to Data Analytics
  • The Role of a Data Analyst
  • Digital Marketing Management for Business
  • Email Marketing and Tools for Managers
  • Marketing Analysis and Evaluation for Managers
  • Marketing Strategies for Business
  • Social Media Marketing and Tools for Managers
  • Understanding SEO and Content Marketing for Managers
  • Threat Intelligence in Cyber Security
  • Legislation and Ethical Conduct in Cyber Security
  • Digital Management of Information
  • Digital Sales for Business
  • Digital Security
  • Managing Digital Projects
  • Personal and Professional Digital Development for Managers
  • Advanced - Data Management Software
  • Advanced - IT Communication Fundamentals
  • Advanced - Presentation Software
  • Advanced - Spreadsheet Software
  • Advanced - Using Email
  • Advanced - Using the Internet
  • Understanding the Potential of IT

Get in touch

To express an interest in any of the courses visit forms - digital skills training for employment. Alternatively, call 0345 017 9613.

About the UKSPF

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a central pillar of the UK Government's Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK, investing in communities and place, supporting local business, people and skills.

The Government has allocated £5.2 million for investment in Preston.

Wider business advice and support

For wider local and national business support and advice around topics such as start ups, development, finance, recruitment and training see our business support section.