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
Open up new opportunities with the digital skills you need for work and everyday life. Bury Adult Learning Service offers a range of computer courses designed to help you build confidence, stay connected and make the most of technology.
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 enrol.
Qualification Courses:
Prepare to Learn Cybersecurity - This short course will introduce you to the basics of cybersecurity in a simple and easy-to-understand way. It is designed to help you learn what cybersecurity means, why it is important, and how to stay safe online. This course is also a good first step if you are thinking about moving on to a Level 1 Cybersecurity qualification.
Cybersecurity Level 1 - Interested in a career in cybersecurity? Learn how organisations protect their systems from online threats and keep sensitive data safe.
Prepare to Learn Programming - This course is ideal for those with little or no experience. You will learn in a friendly and supportive environment, helping you feel comfortable as you develop your skills and prepare for a Level 1 programming course.
Programming Level 1 – Have you ever wanted to know more about how apps work? This course will equip you with the skills you need to understand and learn coding techniques. The course is a good starting point for anyone wanting to explore further qualifications or even a career in coding/programming.
Microsoft Office For Employment (Become ICDL Ready) - This course will help you practise and strengthen your Microsoft Office skills - setting you up for the next step to ICDL Level 2.
ICDL Level 2/Fast Track ICDL Level 2 - Boost your computer skills and gain a recognised qualification that can help you move into work or progress in your current role. This course is a great way to build confidence and strengthen your CV for new opportunities. Bury Adult Learning Service is the only adult learning provider in Bury where you can study ICDL, and one of the few places in the North-West offering this qualification.
Introduction to IT Skills (Entry 3) – This course will help you build your ICT and digital skills for everyday life. You will learn how to use computers, tablets, and phones with more confidence.
Essential Digital Skills - Equip yourself with digital skills for work, life or further study. Topics include creating and editing documents, communicating, sharing and managing online activities, shopping online and much more!
Non Qualification Courses:
Getting Started With Computers - New to computers? This beginner-friendly course will help you build confidence using devices, the internet, and everyday digital tools. Learn at your own pace in a relaxed, supportive environment - no previous experience needed!
Microsoft Word & Excel - Learn the basic skills that you need to use Microsoft Word and Excel, whether it’s for work or personal use.
Using Your Phone/Tablet - Feel free to bring along your own phone or tablet. Take your first step into the digital world. This course will help you build confidence using your smartphone or tablet, with simple, practical skills for everyday life, such as keeping in touch with family, friends and services through email. Perfect if you’re new to digital and ready to feel more independent.
Using Your Phone/Tablet Online - Feel free to bring along your own phone or tablet. This friendly, supportive course will help you build your skills and access online services with ease - perfect if you’ve got the basics and are ready to take the next step.
Tablets are available on loan to eligible learners to support their studies and help them get the most from their course.
Bury College adult digital skills courses
If you are finding everyday online tasks difficult or would like to feel safer and more confident when using digital devices, Bury College’s Digital Skills for Life short course can help. The course covers essential digital skills, including protecting your devices, staying safe online and using technology confidently in everyday life.
If you are looking to develop digital skills for the workplace, the Level 1 Digital Skills for Jobs course will help prepare you for employment. You will develop practical skills using Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, helping you to create documents, work with spreadsheets and produce presentations for the workplace.
Both courses run for 15 weeks, with two intakes each year.
For further information, please contact Bury College on 0161 280 8200 or visit the Digital Skills for Life and Digital skills for Jobs course pages.
Sovereign House Bury digital skills courses
Sovereign House delivers digital skills training directly within local community venues across Bury. Programs are offered for targeted groups, including ESOL learners, refugees, 50+ Adults, and individuals wanting to develop specific IT skills - as well as coding programmes for children. Sessions and custom learning can be arranged and agreed with each group. Subscription to the digital classes involves a small monthly fee, which can be fully funded for non-working residents.
For bookings, call 0161 7591255, 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.
Code Your Future
CodeYourFuture is offering free tech training and employment support for adults on a low income (including those employed), with no previous tech experience required.
All Code Your Future participants will begin with the Intro to Digital course. Their Intro to Digital course is designed to help build practical digital skills and explore career opportunities in the technology sector. The Intro to Digital course runs over a month and can be done entirely online (between 20 to 40 hours). There are also in-person workshops in Manchester city centre every Saturday that participants can attend for extra support, a sense of community and/or networking, but these are not mandatory.
What it covers
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Coding fundamentals
- Data analysis
- Website deployment
- Digital and workplace skills
Participants also receive 1:1 support from tech professionals and have opportunities to attend workshops and connect with a supportive learning community.
Who can apply?
To take part, you should:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be on a low income
- Have an intermediate level of English
- Have access to a computer (including library computers)
Many CodeYourFuture graduates have gone on to secure roles in software development, business analysis, and cloud engineering with organisations including Google, the BBC, Capgemini, and Slack.
The Intro to Digital course is open now, and learners are encouraged to start within the first couple of weeks of the month for the best chance of progressing through the programme.
Once participants have completed the Intro to Digital, they can progress onto the Intro to Programming module. Participants on that module gain access to funded travel and childcare, internet access and loaned laptops. The Introduction to Programming does require in-person attendance at the Saturday workshop (with a free warm lunch provided). Upon completion of Introduction to Programming, Code Your Future can support participants in finding employment in that field if desired or support them to progress onto the 2 further modules to continue their software and coding educational journey.
Any questions, please check their website here Course Descriptions | CodeYourFuture and their FAQs here Trainee FAQ.
If interested, please sign up via this unique Bury referral link: https://codeyourfuture.link/bury
Code Your Future also offer Basic Online Skills sessions.
These are delivered by their business partner over three consecutive Wednesdays between 10 and 4 to between 15 and 20 attendees.
Generation Bootcamps
Generation UK is a non-profit organisation that delivers free skills bootcamps to help people overcome barriers to employment and access meaningful careers. The organisation focuses on improving social mobility through strong partnerships with employers, funders, and public sector organisations, helping participants gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed for long-term career success.
Applications are now open for their Women’s (trans and non-binary) data Analytics bootcamp. Applications close on 13th October.
Applications can be made by this application link:
What do they cover:
- Data quality management: cleaning & processing data, some database querying using SQL
- Visualisation: PowerBI (dashboards, excel reports etc)
- How to manipulate data to create reports that support or inform business decisions
What do they offer:
- 6 months employment support with links with GM employers.
- Laptops and wi-fi support.
- Highly experienced tutors.
- Inclusion support for learners.
Back to Work
Please see below for a list of online Level 2 Courses available from Back to Work throughout September & October 2026
Their Level 3 Provision (Higher Level Skills) are due to commence in October – dates TBC (Cybersecurity, AI Programming, SEND & Social Media Marketing)
Week commencing 21st September
L2 Understanding Coding and Computer Programming - Limited Spaces Available
This course will cover a comprehensive introduction to key coding concepts, tools, and industry practices through five focused units, including principles of coding, terminology, design principles, coding processes, and the importance of communication and project management.
Week commencing 28th September
L2 Cybersecurity + Website Design + Development – Limited Spaces Available
In an increasingly digital world, cyber security is fast becoming a main concern for most organisations. With complex online scams and cybercrime, it is essential that organisations understand preventative measures to maintain cyber security, including techniques and security checks needed to store data securely. The Website design element is designed for learners to learn how to investigate website design and plan, design and create their own website in response to a client brief.
Week commencing 5th October
L2 Understanding Coding and Computer Programming -
This course will cover a comprehensive introduction to key coding concepts, tools, and industry practices through five focused units, including principles of coding, terminology, design principles, coding processes, and the importance of communication and project management.
Week commencing 19th October
L2 Understanding Coding and Computer Programming
This course will cover a comprehensive introduction to key coding concepts, tools, and industry practices through five focused units, including principles of coding, terminology, design principles, coding processes, and the importance of communication and project management.
Week commencing 26th October
L2 Cybersecurity + Website Design + Development
In an increasingly digital world, cyber security is fast becoming a main concern for most organisations. With complex online scams and cybercrime, it is essential that organisations understand preventative measures to maintain cyber security, including techniques and security checks needed to store data securely. The Website design element is designed for learners to learn how to investigate website design and plan, design and create their own website in response to a client brief.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
1. Age 19 on day 1 of the course
2. Good standard of Maths, English & IT
3. Eligible to live & work in the UK
4. Must not hold the same or equivalent qualification to that being delivered.
5. Must have access to either a Laptop/PC with Microphone + Webcam
6. Must have ID either Passport, Driving License, Provisional, Birth Certificate
7. If non-UK national - need ID and Share Code (we can support with this)
If you would like to refer, simply send the learners' full name, contact number, and email address to zeikel.lee@backtoworkuk.com.
If you have any questions about course content, qualifications, start dates, or durations, please don't hesitate to get in touch with zeikel.lee@backtoworkuk.com.
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.