CALAT Digital Skills department offers a range of courses from beginner level up to Level 2, whether you want to build skills for work or simply feel more confident using computers and the internet.
Courses are held in CALAT’s dedicated digital skills suites, with small groups of up to 12 learners. You’ll be supported throughout by a qualified digital skills trainer in a safe, welcoming learning environment.
Courses run once a week and vary in length from 3 to 12 weeks. As the skills are taught step by step, it’s important that you attend all sessions to ensure steady progress and successful completion of the course.
We offer Entry Level 3 and Level 1 OCN Essential Digital Skills qualifications. These courses are completely free for anyone without an existing digital qualification, including those currently in work.
We also run a variety of non-accredited courses, which are a great way to build confidence with digital technology without the pressure of formal exams. These are free if you’re on a low income or receiving qualifying benefits.
Our course offer is regularly updated. Recent additions include Data Analysis, Digital Marketing, and AI, ideal for those looking to improve job prospects or grow and promote their own business.
We offer:
These courses are ideal if you’ve never used a computer before or have very little experience and want to learn the basics.
Join this 45hr course to build your basic digital skills. You’ll learn how to use common online tools and feel more confident using a computer and the internet in everyday life.
This course is for beginners who have little or no experience with computers. It’s perfect if you want to improve your digital confidence for everyday use, work, or further learning.
You will learn how to:
You could continue your Digital Skills learning and enrol on one of the many Digital Skills courses on offer from CALAT.
There are no entry requirements. You just need basic reading skills and a willingness to learn.
Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with personalised support from the tutor.
You can choose the course timetable that works best for you:
You will need to complete some homework outside the classroom. You will be expected to attend all sessions, as skills build progressively each session.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
This is a non-accredited course with no formal exam. However, you’ll be expected to submit some work to show how you’ve developed your skills. A certificate of attendance will be awarded on completion.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
This 6-week course is a practical introduction to Microsoft Excel. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to use spreadsheets for work or to manage personal finances.
This course is for learners who already have basic keyboard and file management skills, or who have completed our Digital Skills for Life and Work – Beginners course. It’s ideal for those who want to use Excel at work or at home.
You will learn how to:
You could continue your Digital Skills learning and enrol on one of the many Digital Skills courses on offer from CALAT.
You should have basic computer skills, including using the keyboard and managing files. Completing our Digital Skills for Life and Work – Beginners course is a good starting point.
CALAT Strand House / Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with personalised support from the tutor.
You will need to complete some homework outside the classroom. The course is 6 weeks, one weekly session of 3.5 hours. You will be expected to attend all sessions, as skills build progressively each session.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
This is a non-accredited course with no formal exam. However, you’ll be expected to submit some work to show how you’ve developed your skills. A certificate of attendance will be awarded on completion.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
This 4-week course is a hands-on introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint, perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to create clear, attractive presentations. You’ll explore the most useful features of PowerPoint to help you share your ideas confidently, whether for work, study, or personal use.
This course is for learners who have basic keyboard and file management skills, or who have completed our Digital Skills for Life and Work – Beginners course. It’s ideal for those who want to create professional-looking slideshows with text, images, and visual effects.
You will learn how to:
You could continue your Digital Skills learning and enrol on one of the many Digital Skills courses on offer from CALAT.
You should have basic computer skills, including using the keyboard and managing files. Completing our Digital Skills for Life and Work – Beginners course is a good starting point.
CALAT Strand House / Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with personalised support from the tutor.
You will need to complete some homework outside the classroom. The course is 6 weeks, one weekly session of 3.5 hours. You will be expected to attend all sessions, as skills build progressively each session.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
This is a non-accredited course with no formal exam. However, you’ll be expected to submit some work to show how you’ve developed your skills. A certificate of attendance will be awarded on completion.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
This 3-week course is a practical introduction to using and Gmail and Google Suite, which is free alternative to Microsoft Office that is widely used and available on any home computer with internet access. It’s ideal for anyone looking to build confidence using digital tools for communication, document creation, and cloud storage. You’ll learn how to use Gmail, Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets safely and effectively for everyday tasks at home, at work, or in learning.
This course is for learners with basic keyboard and file management skills, or those who have completed our Digital Skills for Life and Work – Beginners course. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to get more confident using email and free online tools.
You will learn how to:
All the tools used are free and available on any device with internet access.
You could continue your Digital Skills learning and enrol on one of the many Digital Skills courses on offer from CALAT.
You should have basic computer skills, including using the keyboard and managing files. Completing our Digital Skills for Life and Work – Beginners course is a good starting point.
CALAT Strand House / Classroom-based learning in a small group (maximum 12 learners), with personalised support from your tutor.
The course runs for 3 weeks with one 4-hours session per week. You’ll need to attend all sessions, as skills build each week. Homework may be set to help you practise.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
This is a non-accredited course with no formal exam. You’ll complete tasks during the course to show your progress and receive a certificate of attendance when you finish.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
This OCN-accredited course is free for everyone who hasn’t got any formal ICT Entry 3 qualification. It’s designed for learners with basic digital skills or those who have passed out beginners course. While studying on this course, you will prepare for and pass three exams while developing key skills to communicate, handle information, and stay safe online.
This course is Ideal for learners wanting to improve digital skills and gain a recognised qualification.
You will learn how to:
You could continue your Digital Skills learning and enrol on one of the many Digital Skills courses on offer from CALAT.
You should already have basic computer skills or have completed our Beginners Digital Skills course. You’ll also need basic reading and writing skills and a willingness to learn.
CALAT Strand House / Croydon Clock Tower / Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with personalised support from the tutor.
You will need to complete some homework outside the classroom. The course is 12 weeks, one weekly session of 5 hours. You will be expected to attend all sessions, as skills build progressively each session.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
This course is OCN-accredited and includes three exams to assess your digital skills. Upon successful completion, you will receive the Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 certificate, which is recognised by employers and can support your career development and further learning.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
This course is for learners who have completed our Beginners course or have some basic experience with smartphones and computers. It helps you refresh and build your digital skills step-by-step, preparing you for an Entry Level 3 accredited course.
This course is ideal for those who want to improve their confidence and skills before moving on to a higher level Digital Skills course.
You will learn how to:
After passing this course, you will be ready to progress to an accredited Essential Digital Skills Entry 3 course or similar training.
You should have completed a beginners digital skills course or have some basic experience using digital devices.
CALAT Strand House / Croydon Clock Tower / Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with personalised support from the tutor.
You will need to complete some homework outside the classroom. The course is 12 weeks, one weekly session of 3 hours 45 minutes. You will be expected to attend all sessions, as skills build progressively each session.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
This is a non-accredited course with no formal exam. However, you’ll be expected to submit some work to show how you’ve developed your skills. A certificate of attendance will be awarded on completion.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
These courses are for people who already know the basics and want to do more with computers and digital devices and build useful skills for life or work.
This course is for people who already have good basic digital skills or have completed our EDSQ Entry 3 course. It will help you build the essential digital skills needed for work and daily life. You will develop your confidence in using devices, communicating online, handling information, and staying safe on the internet. This course is ideal for anyone looking to improve their digital confidence at work or in everyday situations.
This course is for learners who already have solid computer skills and want to develop them further. It is also suitable for those who have completed an Entry 3 digital course and are ready to progress to the next level.
You will learn how to:
After this course, you can move on to other digital or work-related qualifications to support your career or further study. It provides a strong foundation to progress to our Level 1 Digital Marketing course, Digital Skills Level 2, and beyond to Data Analysis or Using AI courses at CALAT.
You should already feel confident using a computer, or have completed our Entry 3 Digital Skills course. A short assessment will help ensure this course is the right level for you.
These 12 weeks courses takes place at CALAT Strand House or CALAT Clock Tower in a classroom setting. You be required to attend one 5-hours session per week. You will learn in a small group (maximum 12 learners) with guidance and support from your tutor. Regular attendance is important, and you may need to complete some homework to practise your skills.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
At the end of the course, you will complete a recognised assessment. If successful, you will receive the OCN Level 1 Essential Digital Skills for Work certificate.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
Curious about Artificial Intelligence and how it’s shaping the world around us? This course is ideal for learners with basic digital skills who want to explore AI in a practical and engaging way. You’ll be introduced to core AI concepts, tools, and real-world applications, gaining confidence to understand how AI works and how it’s used in different industries. With support from your tutor, you’ll learn how to use simple AI tools and explore ethical issues, while building a strong foundation for further learning.
This course is for anyone who has completed a Level 1 or Level 2 Digital Skills course or has equivalent experience. It’s perfect if you’re confident using the internet and digital devices, and you’re interested in how technology – especially AI – is transforming the way we live and work. Whether you’re thinking about applying AI in your job, exploring new tech, or just learning out of curiosity, this course is a great starting point.
You will learn how to:
After this course, you may wish to continue developing your digital skills through CALAT courses such as Getting Started with Digital Marketing, Introduction to Data Analysis using Microsoft Tools. You can also explore other our accredited Level 1 or Level 2 in Digital or IT-related subjects. The skills gained on this course will also support career development.
To enrol, you should have completed a minimum of Level 1 Digital Skills course at CALAT or have computer skills at this level. You’ll need to feel confident using a digital device, browsing the internet, following instructions in English, and navigating websites and files. An interest in technology or problem-solving is helpful. Access to a computer and internet at home will support your learning. Regular attendance is essential, as each session builds on the last.
CALAT Clock Tower/ Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with individual support from your tutor.
This course runs for 5 weeks, with one session per week lasting 4 hours and 15 minutes. You will be expected to complete some homework between sessions.
You’ll need to bring a pen, notebook or paper, and a folder to store your learning materials and notes. Access to a digital device (laptop, tablet or desktop) and internet outside of class will be beneficial.
This is a non-accredited course with no formal exam. However, you’ll be expected to submit some work to show how you’ve developed your skills. A certificate of attendance will be awarded on completion.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
Boost your everyday digital skills with this fun and practical 9-week Level 1 course, covering ChatGPT, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, OneDrive, and Microsoft Office.
This Level 1 course is designed for learners with foundational digital skills. It suits those who have completed our Entry 3 Digital Skills course or who feel confident using email, carrying out simple Google searches, and navigating Microsoft Office applications.
You’ll learn to use popular digital tools confidently and effectively in your daily life. You’ll explore how to get helpful answers from ChatGPT, stay connected on WhatsApp and Facebook, find useful content on YouTube, store files with OneDrive, and use key features of Microsoft Office programs like Word and Excel.
You’ll also develop skills to support job searching, help with schoolwork, and manage everyday tasks more efficiently. The course is hands-on, jargon-free, and designed to build real-world digital confidence.
You could continue your Digital Skills learning and enrol on one of the many Digital Skills courses on offer from CALAT.
To enrol on this Level 1 course, you should have basic digital skills. This includes having completed our Entry 3 Digital Skills course or possessing practical experience with email, basic internet searches, and Microsoft Office tools.
CALAT Strand House / Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with personalised support from the tutor.
You will need to complete some homework outside the classroom. The course is 9 weeks, one weekly session of 5 hours. You will be expected to attend all sessions, as skills build progressively each session.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
This is a non-accredited course with no formal exam. However, you’ll be expected to submit some work to show how you’ve developed your skills. A certificate of attendance will be awarded on completion.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
If you’re confident with computers, our advanced courses will take your digital skills to the next level and help you work more effectively, progress in your career, or prepare for a new job.
This Level 2 Digital Skills course helps you work more efficiently with Microsoft Office by focusing on automation and professional document creation. You’ll learn how to use macros in Word and Excel to automate everyday tasks, saving time and increasing productivity. You’ll also develop advanced skills in Microsoft Word, including creating live tables of contents, formatting images, adding references, and compiling bibliographies. As part of the course assessment, you will complete a practical project on online safety for children, which allow you to apply these skills in a real-world context.
This course is ideal for confident users of IT, looking to further develop their digital abilities for work, further study, or personal development.
You will learn how to:
Understand how automation can improve productivity in Microsoft Word and Excel.
Create and edit macros to automate routine office tasks in Word and Excel.
Develop advanced Word skills, including formatting, inserting images, and creating live tables of contents.
Add captions, hyperlinks, references, and compile bibliographies in Word documents.
Research a topic (i.e. online safety for children) and design a professional leaflet using your newly learnt digital skills.
After completing this course, you will be well-prepared to progress to further digital learning opportunities at CALAT, such as Getting Started with Digital Marketing, Introduction to Data Analysis using Microsoft Tools or AI Practical Applications in the Real World. The skills gained on this course will also support career development in roles that require strong digital and document-handling skills.
To join this course, you should have completed a non-accredited Level 2 Digital Skills course at CALAT. If you are applying as an external candidate, you will need to demonstrate digital skills at Level 2 through an initial assessment.
CALAT Clock Tower/ Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with individual support from your tutor.
This course runs for 5 weeks, with one session per week lasting 5 hours. You will be expected to attend all sessions, as skills build progressively each session.
You will need to bring a pen, paper and a file to keep your work in.
This is an accredited course, however there is no formal exam. You’ll need to submit a portfolio of work to show your progress. If you pass the course, you’ll achieve OCNLR Level 2 Award in Skills for Professions in Digital Industries and Technology and receive a certificate from the awarding body.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
This course is designed for learners who want to develop practical data analysis skills using industry-standard Microsoft tools. You’ll gain hands-on experience with real-world data and learn how to organise, transform, and present information using Excel and Power BI. Covering the full data analysis process, from understanding raw data to creating meaningful visuals and reports, this course builds essential skills to support your work, career development, or further study.
This course is for confident users of Excel, who are able to create formulas, charts and filter and sort data. It is designed for individuals who want to acquire essential skills for data analysis and reporting. These skills are in demand when looking for work.
You will learn how to:
After completing this course, you can progress to further CALAT courses such as Introduction to AI: Practical Applications in the Real World (Level 2) or pursue digital or data-related qualifications with other providers. These skills are valuable across a wide range of sectors, including administration, business, and customer service.
You should have completed Level 2 Digital Skills at CALAT. External applicants should be confident using Excel, including formulas, tables, and charts. Full attendance is expected as each session builds on the last.
CALAT Clock Tower/ Classroom-based learning in a small group setting (maximum 12 learners), with individual support from your tutor.
This course runs for 9 weeks, with one session per week lasting 5 hours. Some practice at home is encouraged to support learning.
Please bring a pen, notebook, and folder to each session.
This is a non-accredited course with no formal exam. However, you’ll be expected to submit some work to show how you’ve developed your skills. A certificate of attendance will be awarded on completion.
Before you enrol, you’ll need to attend a Digital Skills Taster session, where you’ll complete a short assessment to help determine your suitability for the course. If needed, we’ll recommend a more appropriate option.
To arrange your assessment session, fill in the short form at the bottom of this page and we’ll get in touch.
There are multiple options on offer:
All our courses are now full. We will start accepting applications for courses beginning in April 2026 from Monday February 2nd.
Before you formally apply and to ensure we get you on the right course, we ask that you attend a short taster session where we will assess your current skill level. To book a session, please fill in the short form below and we’ll get in touch:
