Digital skills learning courses are a big win for those looking to expand their digital skills. They help people by teaching basics on how to use the computer to navigate the Internet safely and more advanced topics, such as using Microsoft programmes which can enhance your work skills. Having more digital know-how gives people higher chances to join the labour market or even start a business. These courses help create a community that is more skilled and ready for the future.
Take a look below at what digital skills courses are available across Bury.
Bury, Radcliffe, Prestwich and Ramsbottom Libraries digital skills courses
Working in partnership with Bury Adult Learning the Library offers free six-week long Digital Skills courses. They cover the essential tablet and smartphone skills needed to keep up in our increasingly digital-only world.
Beginners and intermediate courses available. Call Bury Adult Learning Centre on 0161 253 5772 to book.
Bury Adult Learning Service – IT/Digital Skills
Bury Adult Learning Service has a range of courses to update your computing skills whether it is for work, to gain or improve your skills or a leisure interest. On various courses, upon successfully completing the course, you will receive a FREE android tablet!
Find out more about all the courses through their course guides and get in touch with Bury Adult Learning Service on 0161 253 5772 to book.
Available courses are:
Introduction to Cybersecurity Level 1 - This qualification is designed to grow your knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity. Learn the theory behind different forms of cybercrimes, routine protective methods used to maintain cybersecurity and legislation regarding cybersecurity including GDPR and The Computer Misuse Act.
Cybersecurity Level 2 - This qualification is designed to advance your knowledge about cybersecurity. Learn the theory behind types of cyber threats and the measures taken to protect IT systems and data. You will also use practical methods to demonstrate ethical hacking, including vulnerability scanning, penetration testing and user access control.
Digital & IT Skills Level 2 – This course is for those who have previously completed an ICT Level 1 course. Refresh and enhance your skills in Word and Excel.
Fast Track IT (ICDL Level 2) – This course runs throughout the year and provides a quick route to achieving a qualification for those looking to find employment or to improve their current computer skills in the workplace.
Introduction to IT Skills (Entry 3) – For absolute beginners, this course will provide you the skills and knowledge needed to undertake essential IT tasks confidently.
Programming – Ever wanted to know more about how computer games are made? These courses will equip you with the skills you need to understand and learn coding techniques. The courses are a good starting point for anyone wanting to explore further qualifications or even a career in coding/programming.
Digital Skills (Beginners) – Gain confidence and become more independent using your smartphone/tablet in today’s world. This course is ideal for those who have little to no experience.
Digital Skills (Intermediate) – Improve your digital skills to better manage everyday tasks. You will learn to communicate using messaging apps/services and video tools, post photos/videos on social media sites, use Google maps, and using price comparison sites to find best deals and much more!
Internet Safety – Learn simple practical tips and strategies for Internet Safety.
Bury College adult digital skills courses
If you are finding everyday online tasks difficult, then try Bury College Digital Skills for Life short course to help develop your online skills. Bury Collage’s IT Skills for Jobs course will help you to protect devices, manage data and communicate professionally in the workplace. Both courses offer a 15-week programme with intake twice a year.
Please contact Bury College on 0161 280 8280 for further information or visit Digital skills for life and IT skills for jobs.
Sovereign House Bury digital skills courses
Sovereign House have dedicated the ground floor of their building in the centre of Bury to digital skills training for targeted groups. This includes ESOL, refugees and those who want to learn specific IT skills, which can be arranged and agreed with the group. Subscription to digital classes has a small monthly fee and can be funded for non-working residents.
For bookings call 0161 7591255 or email clpadmin@sovereignhousegh.education or visit the Sovereign House website.
Xyrius Group Digital and Cyber Security Courses
Xyrius Group are offering 6 comprehensive and funded courses with great initiatives for the learners.
Available courses are:
- Course for parents helping with Key Stage 1 & 2 Numeracy homework
- Basic IT Skills Crash Course – Leaning how to do basics on devices and staying safe online (NCFE Level 2 Accreditation)
- IT User Skills Course – Learning how to create professional documents using Microsoft Suite (NCFE Level 2 Accreditation)
- Cyber Security Course – Learning practical skills that help to keep data secure from cyber criminals (NCFE Level 2 Accreditation)
- Digital Skills at Work / Cyber Security Course – Learning how to identify data threats and how to report digital crime and security breaches (NCFE Level 2 Accreditation)
- Data Analysis / IT User Skills Course – Learning how to analyse, collect and report on key business data (NCFE Level 2 Accreditation)
Level 2 courses will be held 5 days a week from morning until the afternoon for 2-3 weeks, the days can be adapted depending on the venue. Cohorts are expected to be between 8-12 people per course, participants would have to be 19+ (up to any age) and have lived in the UK for minimum of 3 years. Adaptations can be made for refugee and asylum status residents.
For Level 2 courses participants will receive a FREE tablet on completion of the course and £15 per week in food vouchers and a Level 2 Accredited Certificate.
To find out more email Bury's digital inclusion team on digitalsupport@bury.gov.uk.
RammyMen coding & website building sessions
RammyMen is a community which offers sessions for anyone who fancies getting stuck in with new activities or having a brew and a natter. Despite the name RammyMen, they have as many women on the courses as well as men and anyone is welcome to get in touch. A number of sessions have a vocational prospect, with progression into college, apprenticeships, and employment but they also welcome anyone who has an interest of any kind.
Website building sessions
The sessions offer teaching about various programming languages, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL. The focus is on building fast, responsive, and SEO-optimised websites without relying on platforms like WordPress. The sessions, which don't require prior experience, are held throughout the week. To find out more and apply visit C++, Swift, HTML, CSS, JS, PH, MySQL and more on RammyMen’s website.
Computer coding sessions
The course invites people interested in learning C++ from the very basics. It aims to develop skills that help participants proficient in modern technologies. The program is open to beginners, with sessions tailored for different age groups, and is designed to inspire deeper involvement in computing. To find out more visit RammyMen’s Computer Coding page.
The Growth Company Adult Courses
If you are searching for adult courses, the Growth Company is the right spot to start. Whether you want to refresh your existing skills or dive into something entirely new, their training courses are the perfect place to start. They include a range of fully funded ICT, computer programming, software development, marketing and design programmes.
Find out more by visiting The Growth Company website.
Online digital skills tools and support
Free online digital skills learning platforms offer number of benefits such as building your confidence in being online. By improving digital literacy, you can effectively navigate the online world safely, access important services, and stay connected with others or boost your employability skills.
Check out some of the free digital skills learning tools below.
Learn My Way – this platform will help you with basic skills on how to use internet and gain digital skills to stay safe and connected.
Barclays Digital Wings – this platform makes learning digital skills and financial literacy straightforward, accessible, and empowering. Use BURY (case sensitive) to register via their website.
iDEA – this is an international award-winning programme that helps you develop and demonstrate your digital, enterprise and employability skills for free.
Starting Point – it is a great library of free learner guides with huge opportunities for developing your skills.
Digital Unite – this platform is a social enterprise focused on promoting digital inclusion through a structured Digital Champion approach. They offer a variety of resources for local authorities, charities, businesses, and healthcare providers in the digital inclusion sphere.
Cisco Networking Academy – this is a global education program offering free courses in key technology areas like networking, cybersecurity, programming, data science, and IT. The academy partners with schools and educators worldwide, providing industry-recognised certifications, hands-on learning, and professional development opportunities for students.
Microsoft Digital Literacy – this program offers free, online courses designed to teach the basics of using digital technologies. These courses are suitable for anyone with basic reading skills and cover essential topics such as working with computers, accessing information online, communicating safely, creating digital content, and collaborating digitally.
NHS App Tool Kit - the NHS App promotional toolkit is designed to help you tell people, including patients, about the NHS App.
Greater Manchester Police E-safety – this page showcases advice and a range of resources to avoid becoming a victim of online crime and what to do if you have been a victim of cybercrime.
Support groups for ESOL in Bury – find your nearest ESOL support group in Bury for a range of services including advice and coffee mornings, mental health, benefit and digital support as well as foodbanks.
Visit community groups and residents digital support or for more information and questions about Bury’s digital inclusion support offer please email us on digitalsupport@bury.gov.uk.