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Free Level 1 Digital Skills Course in Accrington

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Digital Skills Course in Accrington. Classes run at Accrington and Rossendale College, full-time during the day. This course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, contact the college to find out about fees. You'll spend a year building practical skills across devices, documents, communication, and online safety. You'll learn to use phones, tablets, and laptops more effectively, create and edit files, send emails, join video calls, and protect your personal information online. Entry requires two GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including Grade 2 and 3 in English Language and Maths.

Who this course is for

Get confident with technology on the Essential Digital Skills Level 1 course! You’ll learn how to use your phone, laptop, and tablet more effectively, as well as create and edit documents, photos, and videos. You’ll also gain experience sending emails, joining video calls, and managing your online identity. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to stay safe online by protecting your personal information and avoiding scams. With engaging, practical lessons, this course will boost your confidence and help you prepare to progress in this exciting subject.

Learn the essential skills every digital user needs.

Entry requirements

2 GCSE passes at a minimum of Grade 3, which must include a Grade 2 and 3 in English Language and Maths, in either combination.

What you will learn

  • You'll use phones, tablets, and laptops more effectively and solve basic device problems.
  • You'll search online, save files, and stay organised with your digital work.
  • You'll create and edit documents, spreadsheets, images, and videos using common digital tools.
  • You'll send emails, take part in video calls, and complete online forms confidently.
  • You'll protect your personal information, recognise scams, and use the internet responsibly.
  • You'll manage your online identity and understand how to stay safe on social platforms.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, hands-on classroom sessions at Accrington and Rossendale College. Lessons cover real tasks using devices and software you'd encounter in everyday life and work. Assessment is based on the Open Awards Essential Digital Skills framework, which tests your ability to apply digital skills across set tasks and activities rather than through a traditional written exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Accrington and Rossendale College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Data entry clerk: inputting and managing information using digital systems.
  • Administrative assistant: handling emails, documents, and online communication.
  • Customer service advisor: using digital tools to support customers day to day.
  • Receptionist: managing bookings, emails, and digital records.
  • Retail assistant: using digital tills, stock systems, and online platforms.
  • Junior IT support: a starting point toward technical helpdesk roles.

What you could study next

A Level 1 digital skills qualification opens the door to further study in IT and computing. You could move on to a Level 2 Diploma in Digital Technology or a Level 2 IT User qualification to deepen your technical skills. From there, a Level 3 qualification in IT, computing, or digital media would prepare you for higher-level roles or further study at university.

Apply on arc.eastlancslearning.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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