Essential digital skills include being able to:

• use devices like a computer, tablet or mobile phone for simple, personal and work tasks
• find and use information on the internet
• understand how to be safe and responsible online
• communicate socially and professionally using email, messaging and social media
• shop, bank, access services or apply for a job online

Build your confidence

Being more confident using the internet and communicating online can:

• help you keep in touch with family and friends
• make everyday life easier
• increase your chances of getting and keeping a job
• improve your access to information, advice and services
• open up learning, training and career opportunities

Digital skills at work

As technology advances, most jobs are beginning to need some level of digital skill.

Technology is also creating lots of exciting new jobs. These jobs will need workers with the confidence to:

• use the internet on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop or PC
• communicate online using email and social media
• work from home or a remote location. For example, using online tools like Zoom, Skype, Teams and Facetime to communicate
• create online accounts to access information
• search for reliable information online
• behave safely and legally online

Learn digital skills for free

There are lots of ways to get help, and free courses to help you improve your digital skills. You could:

• find an online course on essential digital skills in the Skills Toolkit
• use Learn My Way or Lloyds Bank Academy to gain digital skills for daily life. For example, for online banking, shopping and helping children with schoolwork
• use your local library – you can book time on a PC and use their learning resources
• sign up for a course at your local college or adult education service

Going back into education can be a challenge. Not all learning has to take place in a classroom. There are lots of flexible ways to learn at your own pace, in your own time and in a place you feel comfortable.

If you do not like the idea of doing a course, you could start off by asking a friend or family member to help you get online.

Finding careers advice

Digital skills can help you research your ideas and find careers information online.

Career websites are great sources of useful information and advice where you can:

• chat online with advisers
• talk to people in similar situations in online forums
• explore different types of jobs
• find out which jobs are growing in demand

Applying for jobs

Digital skills can help you find and apply for jobs. They make it easier to prepare for an interview and help you succeed.

Many jobs are only advertised online. You’ll often need to apply using an online application form or by emailing a CV. The job selection process may also include online tests or a video interview. Knowing how to cope with these will improve your job chances.

Skills for jobs in the digital sector

If you’re confident with basic digital skills, you may want to go on to learn something more specialist like:

• how to code a website
• using social media as a marketing tool
• cyber security
• designing digital products and services

This could open up new career opportunities or help you to do your current job better. Learn more about digital careers including roles, salaries and experience required.

Digital skills in demand

Half of all employers say they cannot find candidates with advanced digital skills. Roles requiring digital skills often pay more than those that do not. Free level 3 Digital and IT qualifications could help you get the digital skills employers want. Search free courses for jobs to explore opportunities in IT and the digital sector. To help you develop the skills in demand in your local area and get a better job, you could take part in a Skills Bootcamp. To get more help with your next steps for developing your digital skills, speak to an adviser.