Digital Skills
At New Directions College we offer a complete range of Digital Skills training.
Supported Digital Skills
This pre-entry programme focuses on equipping learners with essential digital skills which they will need as they begin to look for employment. This is a 10 to 12 weeks course, classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue in our IT Suite, and you will need to be assessed prior to registering for the course.
Starting:
- From 23rd September 2026 to 9th December 2026
- From 6th January 2027 to 17th March 2027
- From 14th April 2027 to 7th July 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
IT Café
This course is aimed at learners with none or very little IT skills, to improve their daily life which is increasingly dependent on technology, for example, Banking, Shopping online, Doctor’s appointments, Accessing Services, Keeping in touch with friends and family preventing isolation, find work or progress to an accredited IT course.
This is a 10 to 12 weeks course, classes will take place at Northumberland Avenue in our IT Suite, and you will need to be assessed prior to registering for the course.
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: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Digital Confidence for Everyday Life
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.
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 18th September 2026 to 11th December 2026
- From 6th January 2027 to 17th March 2027
- From 7th January 2027 to 18th March 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Cloud Collaboration and Productivity
Supports learners in building the confidence and ability to use cloud-based tools effectively in a professional environment. The course covers managing emails and calendars, collaborating on shared documents, organising work efficiently, and using advanced digital features to improve productivity and communication in the workplace.
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 8th January 2027 to 19th March 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Digital Teamwork – Mastering Online Apps
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.
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
- From 16th April 2027 to 9th July 2027
- From 22nd April 2027 to 8th July 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
AI Basics – Safe and Practical Use
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.
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:
Northumberland Avenue – From 15th September 2026 to 20th October 2026
Southcote Library – From 16th September 2026 to 21st October 2026
Reading Central Library – From 17th September 2026 to 22nd October 2026
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
AI for Further Study and Work
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.
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:
Northumberland Avenue – From 3rd November 2026 to 8th December 2026
Southcote Library – From 4th November2026 to 9th December 2026
Reading Central Library – From 5th November 2026 to 10th December 2026
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Essential Digital Skills Entry 3
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.
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:
Northumberland Avenue – From 4th January 2027 to 5th July 2027
– From 5th January 2027 to 6th July 2027
Reading Central Library – From 7th January 2027 to 8th July 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012
Essential Digital Skills Level 1
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 course is delivered at Level 1 and 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.
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:
Northumberland Avenue – From 4th January 2027 to 5th July 2027
– From 5th January 2027 to 6th July 2027
Reading Central Library – From 7th January 2027 to 8th July 2027
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course contact newdirections@reading.gov.uk Tel.: 0345 842 0012