This programme focuses on equipping learners with essential digital skills, which they will need as they begin to look for employment.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to use a range of basic digital skills with greater confidence. They will be able to use digital devices, access information online, communicate using digital tools, and apply these skills to support everyday life and future employment goals.
No formal qualifications or previous digital experience are required. The course is designed for learners who need support to develop essential digital skills for everyday life and employment. All classes will take place in our IT suite at Northumberland Avenue.
Starting:
- From 23rd September 2026 to 9th December 2026, 10:00 to 12:00
- From 6th January 2027 to 17th March 2027, 10:00 to 12:00
- From 14th April 2027 to 7th July 2027, 10:00 to 12:00
Course fee: £163*
*Please note this course is free for eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Students will learn the basics of computer and internet use, and they will have the opportunity to practice their skills in a safe and supportive environment. By
the end of the course, students will be able to use computers and the internet to complete basic tasks and communicate with others.
The IT café course is a great opportunity for learners to improve their IT skills, working independently with the support of a teacher when needed.
Starting:
- From 15th September 2026 to 8th December 2026
- From 7th January 2027 to 25th March 2027
- From 22nd April 2027 to 1st July 2027
Course fee: £163*
*Please note this course is free to eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
A practical course designed to help learners build the skills and confidence to use digital tools for daily tasks, such as booking appointments, accessing services, and managing personal information online. It supports individuals in becoming more independent, safe, and capable in navigating everyday life in a digital world.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to use a range of digital tools and online services with greater confidence and independence. They will be able to access information, communicate online, manage personal information safely, and complete everyday digital tasks more effectively.
This is a 10 to 12 weeks course, classes will take place at Southcote Library in our IT Room, and at our new IT suite in Reading Central Library.
Starting:
- From 18th September 2026 to 11th December 2026 – 10:00 to 12:00, Southcote Library
- From 6th January 2027 to 17th March 2027 – 10:00 – to 12:00, Southcote Library
- From 7th January 2027 to 18th March 2027 – 9:30 to 11:30, Reading Central Library
Course fee: £139*
*Please note this course is free for eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
This course is designed for learners who are at an intermediate level, to further their knowledge of Microsoft Apps as well as other applications. This hands-on program empowers participants to enhance their document creation, communication, and collaboration skills.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to use a range of Microsoft Office applications and other digital tools with increased confidence. They will be able to create and format documents, manage information, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others using digital technologies.
This is a 10 to 12 weeks course, classes will take place at Southcote Library in our IT Room, and our new IT suite in Reading Central Library.
Starting:
- From 14th September 2026 to 7th December 2026, 12:30 to 14:30 – Northumberland Avenue
- From 17th September 2026 to 10th December 2026, 12:30 to 14:30 – Reading Central Library
Course fee: £163*
*Please note this course is free for eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Helps learners build the confidence and ability to work effectively with others using online tools. The course covers virtual communication, online meetings, shared documents, and collaboration platforms, enabling learners to communicate clearly, stay organised, and contribute productively in a digital workplace.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to use a range of online collaboration tools confidently, communicate effectively in virtual environments, participate in online meetings, work on shared documents, and use digital tools to support teamwork, organisation, and productivity.
This is a 10 to 12 weeks course, classes will take place at Southcote Library in our IT Room, and you will need to be assessed prior to registering for the course.
Starting:
- From 14th April 2027 to 7th July 2027 – 10:00 to 12:00, Southcote Library
- From 16th April 2027 to 9th July 2027 – 10:00 to 12:00, Southcote Library
- From 22nd April 2027 to 8th July 2027 – 9:30 to 11:30, Reading Central Library
Course fee: £151*
*Please note this course is free to eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Introduces learners to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it can support everyday tasks and work. The course focuses on the practical uses of AI tools, while also helping learners understand ethical considerations, limitations, and how to use AI responsibly and safely.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to use computers and digital devices with greater confidence, safely navigate the internet, manage files, create and edit basic documents, and use email effectively. They will also be able to use AI tools to support everyday tasks such as finding information, generating ideas, solving simple problems, and improving productivity, while understanding how to use these tools safely, responsibly, and critically.
This is a 6 weeks course, classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue, Southcote Library and our new IT Suite in Reading Central Library. You will need to be assessed prior to registering for the course.
Starting:
- From 15th September 2026 to 20th October 2026 – 9:30 to 11:30, Northumberland Avenue
- From 16th September 2026 to 21st October 2026 – 10:00 to 12:00, Southcote Library
- From 17th September 2026 to 22nd October 2026 – 9:30 to 11:30, Reading Central Library
Course fee: £91*
*Please note this course is free to eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
The National Digital Standard published by DFE aims to support adults in five key areas – Communicating, Handling information and content, Transacting, Problem Solving and Being safe online. This entry level course will cover all of these areas and will help the learner gain necessary skills to improve their career prospects. The course is FREE under the digital entitlement.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to communicate, find and manage information, complete online transactions, solve problems using digital technology, and stay safe online. They will develop the digital skills and confidence needed for everyday life, learning, and work.
This is a 22 weeks course, classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue, and at our new IT Suite in Reading Central Library. You will need to be assessed prior to registering for the course.
Starting:
- From 4th January 2027 to 5th July 2027 – 9:30 to 11:30, Northumberland Avenue
- From 5th January 2027 to 6th July 2027 – 12:30 to 14:30, Northumberland Avenue
- From 7th January 2027 to 8th July 2027 – 12:30 to 14:30, Reading Central Library
Course fee: £739.50*
*Please note this course is free to eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Introduces learners to artificial intelligence and how it can support everyday tasks and work. The course focuses on practical uses of AI tools, while also helping learners understand ethical considerations, limitations, and how to use AI responsibly and safely.
By the end of the course, learners will be able to use a range of digital and AI tools with confidence to support everyday tasks, learning, and work. They will be able to create documents, communicate online, search for and evaluate information, use AI tools effectively, and apply good practice in online safety, privacy, and responsible use of AI.
This is a 6 weeks course, classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue, Southcote Library and our new IT Suite in Reading Central Library. You will need to be assessed prior to registering for the course.
Starting:
- From 3rd November 2026 to 8th December 2026 – 9:30 to 11:30, Northumberland Avenue
- From 4th November2026 to 9th December 2026 – 10:00 to 12:00, Southcote Library
- From 5th November 2026 to 10th December 2026 – 9:30 to 11:30, Reading Central Library
Course fee: £91*
*Please note this course is free to eligible learners
To find out more about the course and to register, please contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Whether you’re new to computers or simply want to feel more confident using technology, our Digital Skills courses can help. Learn practical skills at your own pace, from using a computer, smartphone or tablet to staying safe online, communicating digitally and using technology for work and everyday life. Our friendly courses are designed to help you feel more comfortable, capable and connected in an increasingly digital world.
Our offer to you:
- Courses to develop your employment prospects and confidence;
- Facilities and use of ICT to search and apply for jobs
- Additional learning support