WHY DIGITAL SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT
Essential digital skills are a step towards learning lots of other new things. They can improve your confidence to use technology for work, learning and daily life. Many jobs today need digital skills. You need them even for jobs that do not ask for high levels of qualifications or experience. For example, if you work in a warehouse or a shop you may keep digital records of stock. You also need digital skills every day for shopping, banking, and keeping in touch with family and friends.
DIGITAL SKILLS FOR DAILY LIFE
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 the 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. 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.
SOURCES:
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/