RESOURCES FOR INDIVIDUALS

A guide to developing your Digital Skills

Rees Brown - Skills Portal Project Manager

Rees Brown

18.02.2026

In today’s fast-changing world of work, digital skills are more essential than ever. Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence with everyday tools or explore more advanced technologies, this guide will help you identify opportunities to grow your digital capabilities.

Why digital skills matter

In today’s job market, digital skills are no longer optional they are essential. Whether you’re in a technical field or a more traditional industry, digital skills are crucial for:

  • Improved Employability:
    Digital skills are increasingly required in most job roles, with many employers seeking individuals who can navigate digital tools and platforms effectively.
  • Increased Productivity:
    Digital skills can help you streamline tasks, improve work efficiency, and enhance your ability to collaborate with teams, increasing your overall productivity.
  • Career Growth & Innovation
    With the digital world rapidly evolving, those with advanced digital skills are better positioned to adapt, innovate, and seize new opportunities in their careers.

What are the different levels?

These form the foundation of digital literacy and are essential for everyday tasks in the modern workforce.

These skills include:

  • Email: Composing, sending, and managing emails
    effectively.
  • Microsoft Office: Using programmes like Word, Excel,
    and PowerPoint to create documents, spreadsheets,
    and presentations.
  • Internet Navigation: Searching the web, browsing
    websites, using search engines, and understanding
    internet security basics

Future Digital Skills in Demand:

Alongside having strong basic digital skills, young people will increasingly need more advanced abilities as technology becomes a bigger part of every job and sector:

Cybersecurity

Protect yourself and organisations from digital threats.

Data Engineering & Analysis

Turn data into powerful insights for better decision-making.

Cloud Engineering

Learn how to design scalable, efficient digital solutions.

Programming & Coding

Develop the skills to lead the digital transformation

Tools and Technologies

As new digital tools and technologies continue to develop, young people will need the skills to understand, use, and adapt to them in future jobs:

Cloud Platforms (AWS, Azure)

Improve your efficiency and collaboration in the digital workplace.

Database & Data Science Tools (SQL, Pandas, NumPy)

Learn how to harness data for smarter, data-driven decisions.

Development & Scripting (React, HTML/CSS, CI/CD, Git)

Stay ahead by mastering tools that drive fast-paced innovation

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Explore tools like ChatGPT and Google AI to understand how machines learn, improve processes, and support smarter decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As technology continues to evolve, AI is transforming industries and reshaping the job market. With 75% of companies planning to integrate AI in the next five years, it’s essential for individuals to develop the skills necessary to stay competitive. While AI will create new job opportunities, it will also change existing roles, requiring workers to learn new skills to remain relevant.

How the Toolkit Helps

The Digital Skills Toolkit can help to:

  1. Identify your skills gaps
  2. Explore training options that align with your career goals
  3. Connect with local providers to discuss training opportunities
  4. Access funding through initiatives like the Personal learning Account or Apprenticeships
Digital Skills Pathway Toolkit Empowering Individuals Front Cover