Digital Skills for the workplace: Microsoft Excel for beginners

This course is suitable for complete beginners and those with some experience of Excel who want to develop their skills. 

This course is suitable if you already speak and write everyday English. 

You should be familiar with using a computer, knowing how to save and print documents. You should be familiar with using the internet and email 

You will need to sit an initial assessment before enrolling on the course to check you current skills. 

On this course, you will learn the basics of using Excel spreadsheets to manipulate data. You will become confident in using very simple but effective techniques and learn, through the examples used in class, the potential of using spreadsheets in your day-to-day life or work. 

• identifying key features of a worksheet 
• how to enter and present data  
• how to present and change tables such as entering and deleting a column, row or sheet 
• adding and deleting headers and footers  
• how to make calculations by using common formulae and key functions such as Sum, Average, Maximum and Count 
• how to present data by creating charts, graphs and enhancing their appearance  
• using and creating templates. 
• print preparation  
• managing your files and maintaining security. 

• use all the main essential features of Excel to create attractive and accurate documents such as budget sheets 
• identify the key features of an Excel window  
• create, open and save files  
• enter and present data including making it more readable by changing its font, colour, size and style 
• present and change tables such as entering and deleting a column, row or sheet. 
• create well-presented and readable spreadsheets by using appropriate formatting including use of headers and footers, different page layouts and orientation  
• make calculations by using common formulae and key functions such as Sum, Average, Maximum and Count. 
• convert and present numerical data into visually appealing forms by creating charts, graphs and enhancing their appearance 

You will learn in a supportive and welcoming environment with an emphasis on your discovering how to do and complete tasks, with guidance from the tutor.  

There will be a mixture of class taught sessions, individual learning and small group work. The focus will be on developing your skills rather than covering topics you already know. 

You will have demonstrations and you will follow set exercises as practise to help you manipulate the data and explore the features that Excel has to offer.  

Your work will be continually assessed in class. This is a non-accredited course but a certificate of completion can be provided by the College on request. 

In addition to the classes you will be expected to do some homework to practise your skills 

Notepad and pen – you will need to take notes during the sessions and a folder to store hand-outs and completed exercises 

This course requires study/completion of homework, reflection and personal studies outside of class time, you must set time aside for these activities, at least 3 hours per week recommended.  

It is important that you have access to a computer connected to the Internet outside of class in order to complete your homework 

You will need the following programs installed on your device: 

• Internet Explorer or Google 
• Microsoft Excel  

Following successful completion of this course, you can progress onto the Digital Skills for the workplace: Microsoft Excel Intermediate