Essential digital skills

This page brings together a wide range of free resources to help you build confidence and improve your digital know-how. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to develop workplace skills, you’ll find practical guides, video tutorials, and trusted learning platforms. From setting up email accounts and connecting devices, to exploring creative tools and preparing for the digital switchover, everything you need is here in one place. 

• How to connect to Wi-Fi on Windows 11 (external link) - YouTube video
• How to connect to Wifi on a Samsung phone (external link) - YouTube video
• How to connect to Wi-Fi on an Apple phone (external link) - YouTube video
• How to create an email account
  • Gmail (external link)
  • Outlook (external link)
  • iCloud (external link)
• How to set up emails on a Samsung phone or tablet (external link)
• How to set up emails on an Apple phone or tablet (external link)
• How to search the Internet (external link)

• Learn My Way (external link) - learn how to use your computer or device, browse and shop on the web, send an email, socialise, find work online and gain workplace skills. Suitable for absolute beginners
• iDEA (external link) - a great online learning platform for all the family to help expand digital awareness on a range of topics, including online safety, workplace tools and using social media.

On the following YouTube videos – skip the adverts to watch the video.

• Barclays Digital Wings (external link) - courses to learn about all things digital
• Digital Her (external link) - offers inspiring stories, guides, and tools to help women and girls explore careers in technology and develop digital skills
• Borrowbox- apply for a library card and access ebooks, audio books and emagazines
• Alexa setup (external link) - the Alexa setup guide on Amazon provides step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to get your Alexa device up and running quickly and easily
• How to use a Chromebook (external link) - a beginner’s tutorial on using a Chromebook
• Video tutorial: Getting Started with Chromebook (external link)  - YouTube video on how to set up your Chromebook
• Technology guides | Digital Unite (external link) - these guides are perfect for supporting others with digital skills or improving your own knowledge
• BBC Bitesize Dance Mat (external link) - learn to type with a fun game.

How to connect with friends and family

You can use your mobile phone number or email address to connect to loved ones through the following FREE apps.

List of free apps to connect with friends and family

App	How to download/sign up	Support
Facebook - allows users who sign-up for free profiles to connect with people online, including friends, family and work colleagues.	Sign up to Facebook on your computer (external link) Download Facebook for Android mobiles (external link) Download Facebook for Apple mobiles (external link).	Facebook Help Centre (external link)
Microsoft Teams - make free video and voice one-to-one and group calls, send instant messages and share files with other people.	Download Microsoft Teams for your mobile phone, tablet or computer (external link)	Training on how to use Teams (external link)
Zoom - a video communications app that allows you to set up virtual video and audio meetings, webinars, live chats, screen sharing, and other collaborative capabilities.	Download Zoom for your mobile phone, tablet or computer (external link)	Get help from the Zoom support centre (external link)
WhatsApp - send messages, pictures, videos and even voice recordings, as well as make voice and video calls over the internet.	Download WhatsApp for your mobile phone, tablet or computer (external link).	Beginners guide to using WhatsApp (YouTube) (external link)
FaceTime - video and audio chat app specifically for Apple devices. You can use FaceTime on your iPhone, iPad or Mac computer.	The FaceTime app is already installed on Apple devices. The person you contact will also need to be on an Apple device.	Use FaceTime with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch (external link)

Digital workplace skills

Looking for work or planning to change or develop your career? Here is a list of online courses and resources to help you upskill:

• The Skills Toolkit (external link) – free, high-quality digital and numeracy courses to build your skills and boost your job prospects
• Skills to Succeed Academy (external link) - free, digital, interactive programme to help disadvantaged young people build the skills and confidence to make career choices and develop employability skills
• Barclays LifeSkills (external link) - helps you prepare for your future workplace
• Excel Easy (external link) - free tutorials to help develop your Microsoft Excel skills
• GCF Global (external link) - free self-paced online courses on technology, work and core skills.

Digital switch over

The digital switchover is the UK-wide move from traditional analogue systems to modern digital technology. This change affects landline phones, TV broadcasting, and some connected services, making them faster, more reliable, and easier to maintain.

• Digital phone switchover (external link) - in 2027 landline telephone lines in the UK will be replaced by a digital service. These guides will help you navigate these changes
• Introduction to Digital Voice (external link) - this YouTube video tells you all about Digital Voice, and what Digital Switchover means for you.

Digital learning for young people

• Pixilart (external link) - create and share digital art
• BBC Tiny Happy People (external link) - offers simple activities and play ideas to help you develop your child's communication skills
• Digital Unite (external link) - lists free websites for learning and creating with children at home
• BBC Bitesize (external link) - free, curriculum-based learning materials for primary through to post-16 students. Covers core subjects with videos, quizzes, and revision resources
• Girls Who Code (external link) - an international non-profit organisation working to close the gender gap in technology by teaching computer science, bravery, and sisterhood.