A guide to developing your Digital Skills

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?

Basic Digital Skills

Intermediate Digital Skills

Advanced Digital Skills

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

Basic Digital Skills

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

Intermediate Digital Skills

These are more specialised and are essential for roles that involve managing or analysing data, collaborating across teams, and creating digital content.

These skills include:

Data Analysis: Using software like Excel or more advanced tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to analyse data and generate insights for decision-making.
Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project to manage tasks,
timelines, and team collaboration efficiently, alongside Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools for managing customer relationships and data.
Graphic Design Tools: Knowledge of programmes like Adobe Photoshop or Canva to create visual content for marketing, communications, and branding.

Advanced Digital Skills

These are crucial for high level technical roles and innovation within industries.

They include:

Coding: The ability to write and understand programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or HTML/CSS for creating websites, apps, and software.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Understanding AI concepts such as machine learning, natural language processing, and how these technologies can be applied to practical and organisational solutions.
Cybersecurity: Expertise in protecting digital systems, data, and networks from cyber threats, using tools and practices to prevent data breaches and ensure information security.
Cloud Computing: Knowledge of cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud to store, manage, and analyse data.

Digital Skills and Tools Employers Want

In demand skills

Tools & Technologies

The digital world is rapidly evolving, and there’s a growing
demand for these in-demand skills:

Cybersecurity: Protect yourself and organizations 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

In demand skills

The digital world is rapidly evolving, and there’s a growing
demand for these in-demand skills:

Cybersecurity: Protect yourself and organizations 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 & Technologies

Most Valuable Tools & Technologies to Master:

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:

Identify your skills gaps
Explore training options that align with your career goals
Connect with local providers to discuss training opportunities
Access funding through initiatives like the Personal learning Account or Apprenticeships