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Essential Digital Skills (EDSQ) – Entry 3 to Level 1 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Gain the digital skills you need for everyday life, work and further learning with a free, nationally recognised qualification included as part of your ELATT course.

Overview

Build the Digital Skills You Need for Life and Work

Essential Digital Skills is one of ELATT’s four wraparound support subjects. Wraparound support is matched to your needs when you apply. If you’re assigned Essential Digital Skills, you’ll work towards a nationally recognised Gateway Qualifications Essential Digital Skills qualification at Entry 3 or Level 1.

The level you study at will be matched to your skills and experience when you join ELATT. An initial assessment helps identify the most suitable starting point and any areas where you may need additional support.

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop practical digital skills you can use in everyday life and at work. You’ll learn how to use devices confidently, create and edit digital documents, communicate online, use online services safely, and protect your personal information online.

Sessions are delivered online in small groups over 16 weeks, with support from experienced tutors and plenty of real-life tasks and activities. You’re assessed through an online assessment when you’re ready, rather than ongoing exams throughout the course. It’s included at no extra cost as part of your ELATT course, helping you build the digital confidence employers increasingly expect while supporting your everyday life and learning.

If you don’t have prior experience, don’t worry!
We offer preparatory courses and support to help you build the foundational skills needed for Level 3.

Alongside your vocational course, you will also have the opportunity to earn additional free qualifications to strengthen your CV and employability. These are matched to your level and confirmed after a short skills assessment when you join. They may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development and Digital Skills. Not everyone will study all four. Your programme will be tailored to what you need. For more details, visit the Adult Study Programme page.

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Course Details

Entry 3 to Level 1

Beginner and Intermediate

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Level 3

Advanced

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8 - 12 Weeks

Duration

6 - 9 Hours

Hours per week

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime hours

6.00pm - 9.00pm

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

  • Build essential foundations for working in an office environment:
  • Understanding the role of business administration.
  • Introduction to workplace communication.
  • Handling business documents and records.
  • Time management and organisational skills.
  • Basic customer service and professional conduct.
  • Hands-on exercises with real business documents.
  • Role-playing for professional communication.
  • Simulated office tasks like filing, scheduling, and handling enquiries.
  • Group projects to enhance teamwork and problem-solving.

Entry Requirements and Qualifications

  • Entry Requirements
  • This course is designed for beginners and does not require any prior qualifications. A basic understanding of English and maths is beneficial but not mandatory, as support is available.
  • Awarding Body
  • City & Guilds
  • Qualifications
  • NVQ Award in Business and Administration Level 1
6 - 12 Weeks

Duration

6 Hours

Hours per week

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime hours

6.00pm - 9.00pm

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

  • Develop practical admin and customer service skills through hands-on learning:
  • Business admin principles and workplace procedures.
  • Producing and managing business documents.
  • Effective communication in a business environment.
  • Using office equipment and software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook).
  • CRM tools and digital document management.
  • Time management and organisational skills.
  • Introduction to basic finance tasks (e.g. invoicing, petty cash).
  • Customer service and workplace policies (e.g. health & safety, professional conduct).
  • Hands-on exercises with business documents (e.g. spreadsheets, and office software).
  • Simulated office tasks such as filing, scheduling, and processing information.
  • Role-playing activities for professional communication and customer service.
  • Group projects and problem-solving activities to enhance teamwork and decision-making skills.

Entry Requirements

  • This course is designed for beginners and does not require any prior qualifications. A basic understanding of English and maths is beneficial but not mandatory, as support is available.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • City & Guilds
  • Qualifications
  • Certificate in Business and Administration
16 Weeks

Duration

6 - 12 Hours

Hours per week

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime hours

6.00pm - 9.00pm

Evening hours

Online, Small Groups

Environment

Online, When Ready

Assessment

What you will learn

  • Your level, Entry 3 or Level 1, is matched to your skills and experience when you join. Across the programme, you'll cover:
  • Using devices and managing your information
  • Creating and editing documents and digital content
  • Communicating online
  • Using online services and transactions
  • Staying safe and responsible online

Entry Requirements

  • Your level is decided through your ELATT assessment. You do not apply separately.
  • Basic willingness to use a device, no prior digital experience needed
  • Part of your main course interview and enrolment
  • No extra cost, no separate application, just practical digital skills alongside your main course.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • Gateway Qualifications
  • Qualifications
  • Gateway Qualifications Entry Level 3 Award in Essential Digital Skills

Have a question about how Essential Digital Skills fits into your course?

Speak to an advisor to find your best starting point.

How You Will Learn

Our courses are interactive and career-focused:

Real-world case studies and simulated office environments

Real business documents and software

Tutor-led workshops and peer learning

Hands-on IT, customer service, and communication tasks

Flexible scheduling for learners with other commitments

Tailored learning support for students of all backgrounds, ensuring a smooth transition into employment or further education

Prepare for today’s digital-first workplaces

Gain future-ready business and IT skills

Our close links with employers also offers networking opportunities, guest speakers, and potential work placements to help learners apply their knowledge effectively.

Beginners ready to start a business admin career

School leavers and adult learners with no prior experience

Job seekers aiming to find opportunities in the office/admin sector

Career changers looking for practical, job-ready skills

Anyone returning to education or wanting to improve admin and IT skills

Individuals looking for entry-to-mid-level administrative roles

Those who need strong business communication and IT skills for office environments

A recognised qualification.

Earn a Gateway Qualifications Award in Essential Digital Skills alongside your main course, at no extra cost.

Built in, not bolted on.

No extra applications, no extra timetable, it's part of your course from day one.

Skills for everyday life and work.

From emails to online safety, these are skills you'll use well beyond the classroom.

Small groups, real support.

Tutor-led sessions with one-to-one help when you need it.

Progression and Career Opportunities

Digital skills are now essential in almost every workplace.

Digital skills are now essential in almost every workplace. This qualification can help you progress into employment, apprenticeships, further training or higher-level digital programmes. It also supports success on your main vocational course and helps you manage everyday online tasks with confidence.
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Ready to build your digital confidence?

Essential Digital Skills is included as part of your ELATT vocational course, where it's needed. Explore our courses to get started, or speak to an adviser if you're not sure where to begin.

Hear From Our Students

Student Projects, Showcases and Interviews

Return to Adult Courses

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What is the Essential Digital Skills qualification at ELATT?

It's a recognised Gateway Qualifications Award. It covers practical digital skills for life and work, at Entry 3 and Level 1. It's built into eligible ELATT vocational courses, so you work towards it alongside your main qualification.

Is Essential Digital Skills included for free with my ELATT course?

Yes. It's included at no extra cost, as part of your vocational course. Your course fees are themselves free for eligible adult learners in London.

Do I need any experience or qualifications to take part in Essential Digital Skills?

No. You don't need any experience or separate qualifications. Your starting level is decided through your ELATT assessment.

Do I need to sit any exams for Essential Digital Skills?

No. You're assessed through an online assessment when you're ready, rather than exams throughout the course.

How long does Essential Digital Skills take to complete?

Essential Digital Skills runs for 16 weeks, alongside your main vocational course.

What will I be able to do after completing Essential Digital Skills?

You'll leave with practical digital skills for using devices, creating documents, communicating online, using online services and staying safe online, alongside a recognised qualification.

Is there any support beyond Essential Digital Skills itself?

Yes. Your course is part of ELATT's Adult Study Programme, which goes beyond teaching to offer wrap-around support throughout your learning journey. Alongside your course, you will study wraparound subjects matched to your level following your initial assessment. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development, or Digital Skills, and you will earn a recognised qualification in each. You will also have access to our Careers and Employability Service (CV support, interview preparation and one-to-one career guidance) and our Wellbeing Service (wellbeing workshops and support groups). Both are included at no extra cost.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply for any ELATT vocational course. You'll start working towards your Essential Digital Skills qualification straight away.

New courses starting September 2026: Early Years and Child Development; Youth Work; Health and Social Care.

Apply Now!