Digital Skills
At New Directions College we offer a complete range of Digital Skills training.
How to Live Digitally
This short and friendly course is perfect for anyone looking to build confidence with everyday technology.
You’ll learn how to:
Use a computer and smartphone
Stay safe online
Fill out online forms and shop safely
Use the NHS App
Navigate websites
No experience needed, just bring your curiosity! Delivered at New Directions College South and Southcote.
Starting at New Directions College:
- From Monday 8th September 2025 from 13:00 to 15:00 on Mondays
- From Tuesday 13th January 2026 from 9:30 to 12:30 on Tuesdays
- From Wednesday 3rd June 2026 from 13:00 to 15:00 on Wednesdays
Starting at Southcote:
- From Wednesday 8th October 2025 to Friday 24th October 2025, 9:30 to 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
- From Wednesday 28th January 2026 to Monday 13th February 2026, 9:30 to 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
Course fee: eligibility assessment required
To find out more about the course:
laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Tel.: 07815642764
Introduction to IT
Although technology is all around, many people struggle to use it effectively. Gaining digital skills can reduce isolation, increase career prospects and enable people to access relevant information. This course is flexible and tailor made to individual learners who may be complete beginners or just keen to learn more. The course will give insights into accessing devices, searching for information online, being safe online, communicating online and possibly a taster to Office applications. Delivered at New Directions College South and Reading Community Learning Centre.
Starting at New Directions College:
- From Monday 8th September 2025 at 9:30 – 12:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
- From Monday 12th January 2026 at 9:30 – 13:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Starting at Reading Community Learning Centre:
- From Tuesday 21st April 2026 at 9:30 to 13:00 on Tuesday and Thursday
Course fee: tbc
To find out more about the course:
laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Tel.: 07815642764
Essential Digital Skills
The National Digital Standard published by the Department for Education, aims to support adults in five key areas – Communicating, Handling information and content, Transacting, Problem Solving and Being safe online. This entry level accredited 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. Courses are approximately 6 to 8 weeks in duration, depending on venue and start date. Delivered at New Directions College South and Reading Community Learning Centre.
Starting at Reading Community Learning Centre:
- From Tuesday 16th September 2025 at 9:30 – 13:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- From Tuesday 19th May 2026 at 9:30 – 13:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Starting at New Direction College South:
- From Thursday 9th October 2025 at 9:30 – 13:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
- From Monday 23rd February 2026 at 9:30 – 13:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays
- From Tuesday 28th April 2026 at 9:30 -13:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Course fee: FREE
To find out more about the course:
laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Tel.: 07815642764
Digital Functional Skills Level 1
The purpose of this qualification is to allow learners to demonstrate an understanding of, and competency in, the digital functional skills they need in real life. It will enable learners to engage with digital services and products in everyday life. Delivered at New Directions College South and Reading Community Learning Centre.
Starting at New Direction College South:
- From Wednesday 17th September 2025 at 9:30 – 13:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
- From Monday 19th January 2026 at 9:30 – 13:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays
- From Thursday 23rd April 2026 at 9:30 – 12:30 on Thursdays and Fridays
Starting at Reading Community Learning Centre:
- From Tuesday 20th January 2026 at 9:30 – 13:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Course fee: FREE
To find out more about the course:
laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Tel.: 07815642764
Digital Skills and IT Level 2
This course prepares for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area. Delivered at New Directions College South.
Starting:
- From Wednesday 27th April 2026 at 9:30 – 12:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays
Course fee: £325
To find out more about the course:
laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Tel.: 07815642764
Office Productivity: Master MS Office Software (Short Intensive) Course
Brush up on essential Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, Outlook, and more. Create professional documents: Learn formatting, mail merge, and advanced features in Word. Manage projects and budgets: Master Excel for spreadsheets and financial planning. Navigate email and collaboration tools: Utilize Outlook or Google Apps for communication and scheduling. Embrace cloud storage: Explore OneDrive or Google Drive for secure file management. This course takes place at New Directions College and Southcote Community Hub.
Starting at New Directions College:
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From Monday 5th January 2026 to Wednesday 14th January 2026, 9:30 – 13:30 on Mondays and Wednesdays
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From Monday 7th June 2026 to Wednesday 8th July 2026, 9:30 o 13:30 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Starting at Southcote Community Hub:
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From Wednesday 26th November 2025 to Friday 12th December 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
- From Wednesday 6th May 2026 to Friday 22nd May 2026, 9:30 to 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
Starting at Reading Community Learning Centre:
- From Tuesday 2nd December 2025 to Thursday 11th December 2025, 9:30 – 13:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Digital Teamwork: Mastering Online Apps
Collaborate seamlessly online and learn to set up meetings on Zoom, Google Meet or Teams.
- Present like a pro: utilise built-in features for impactful virtual presentations.
- Communicate effectively: discover techniques for taking notes, and upholding online meetings etiquette.
- Boost engagement: explore tools like Mentimeter for interactive meetings.
Classes are delivered at New Directions College South, Southcote and Reading Community Learning Centre.
Starting at New Directions College South:
- From Wednesday 3rd December 2025 to Friday 12th December 2025,
9:30 – 13:30 Wednesdays and Fridays
Starting at Southcote:
- From Wednesday 5th November 2025 to Friday 21st November 2025, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
- From Wednesday 11th March 2026 to Friday 27th March 2026, 9:30 – 12:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays
Starting at Reading Community Learning Centre:
- From Tuesday 6th January 2026 to Thursday 15th January 2026,
9:30 – 13:30 Tuesday and Thursday
To book a place contact: Laura Jordan
Email: laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Telephone: 07815 642 764
Unlock Excel’s Secrets: Boost Your Productivity
Elevate your Excel skills with our comprehensive 3-day online program designed for individuals with a basic understanding of Excel. This course will empower you to create efficient and effective spreadsheets, enhancing your productivity in any professional setting. In this course, you will:
Build and Understand Spreadsheets: Learn to create your own spreadsheets from scratch, gaining a deep understanding of their structure and functionality.
Master Formulas and Functions: Develop the ability to construct both simple and complex formulas, and harness Excel’s built-in functions to streamline your data analysis tasks.
Optimise Workflow with Shortcuts: Discover practical shortcuts and tips to enhance your efficiency and productivity when working with Excel.
Whether you’re looking to refine your existing skills or take your Excel knowledge to the next level, this course will provide you with the tools and techniques to excel in your professional endeavours. Join us online and unlock the full potential of Microsoft Excel!
To find out more about the course:
laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Tel.: 07815642764
Unlock PowerPoint’s Secrets: Boost Your Confidence in creating compelling
presentations
Transform your presentation skills with our intensive 3-day online program tailored for individuals looking to master Microsoft PowerPoint. This course is perfect for those who have a foundational understanding of PowerPoint and are eager to create professional, impactful presentations that captivate and engage audiences. In this course, you will:
Design Visually Stunning Slides: Learn the principles of effective slide design, including layout, colour schemes, and typography, to create visually appealing presentations.
Enhance Your Content with Multimedia: Incorporate images, videos, and animations to make your presentations more dynamic and engaging.
To find out more about the course:
laura.jordan@reading.gov.uk
Tel.: 07815642764
Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Data Protection and Data Security
Anyone who works with personal data needs to understands the laws surrounding it. This fully online Level 2 Course in Data Protection and Data Security will provide you with essential knowledge on data protection compliance.
This qualification will help to develop your understanding of key data legislation, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act.
You will learn the steps that organisations can take to protect data from common threats to ICT systems, as well as the consequences that failing to protect data can have for individuals and organisations.
Starting: On demand. Sessions to be held online. You will have full access to a virtual learning environment and e-portfolio to submit your work. Contact us to find out more.
To find out more contact:
newdirections@reading.gov.uk
0345 842 0012