Recommend me, please, an online Office training course.

[Pat "5mph"]

Hello CChatters,

I want to change my field of work.
My experience is in catering, retail, sales, last 11 years in a large events centre.
My skills can be transferred to a variety of jobs.
Trouble is that, on searching, I see many jobs I have the experience to do, but because I have never worked in an office, I am missing the vital Microsoft Office skills.
Please recommend me an online training course that is recognized by most employers, preferably in the EU also, in case I get Brexited
It doesn't have to be free, I don't mind paying, but I cannot attend a class because of the randomness of my shifts.
Tia!
PS: I'll be back in a couple of hours

 

[netman]

Microsoft have some free online training to get you started. https://support.office.com/office-training-center.

The 'industry standard' qual for Office is Microsoft Office Specialist or MOS - details here.

Microsoft also own LinkedIn and you can get a months free trial to their training here. These provide certificates.

 

[bruce1530]

The other one worth looking at is the ECDL (European Computer Driving License). 7 modules, covering basic competency in word processing, spreadsheets etc. It’s overseen by the British Computer Society. http://www.ecdluk.co.uk

In Glasgow, most of the colleges do it, as do some of the libraries. Some places do it online, some face to face.

Shifts shouldn’t be a problem even for the face to face tuition - each person can work at their own pace, so you may not have to attend every class, just when available.

There’s a recognised exam at the end.


Cost is up to a couple of hundred pounds, depending on which modules you take. In scotland, you may be eligible for an Individual Training Account (ITA), depending on income level, which could fund up to £200.

 

[Slick]

Another vote for the European Computer Driving Licence Pat. Some say it's now a bit outdated but I reckon the skills you would learn would be essential in any office.

Night classes too.

https://www.glasgowclyde.ac.uk/courses/187549-european-computer-driving-licence-ecdl

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Cheers guys, this gives me a few options, will look into them.

Microsoft also own LinkedIn

Uh, I didn't know that, never bothered with Linkedin because I don't like the format.
Better update my profile

In scotland, you may be eligible for an Individual Training Account (ITA), depending on income level, which could fund up to £200.

Thanks Bruce.
I used be eligible for the old Individual Learning Account, so I can probably apply for the ITA.

Meantime, I have applied for a post at SportsScotland as a social media officer, they are not asking for Office skills
Well, I do know how to use CC, never mind that I know nothing of sports
I feel a certain amount of bluffing is required if one wants a change of career, after all I get new starts without a clue all the time, they must have fooled the recruitment officers
Well,

 

[Slick]

Cheers guys, this gives me a few options, will look into them.


Uh, I didn't know that, never bothered with Linkedin because I don't like the format.
Better update my profile


Thanks Bruce.
I used be eligible for the old Individual Learning Account, so I can probably apply for the ITA.

Meantime, I have applied for a post at SportsScotland as a social media officer, they are not asking for Office skills
Well, I do know how to use CC, never mind that I know nothing of sports
I feel a certain amount of bluffing is required if one wants a change of career, after all I get new starts without a clue all the time, they must have fooled the recruitment officers
Well,

Your spot on Pat, everyone else seems to manage it.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

The other one worth looking at is the ECDL (European Computer Driving License). 7 modules, covering basic competency in word processing, spreadsheets etc. It’s overseen by the British Computer Society. http://www.ecdluk.co.uk

In Glasgow, most of the colleges do it, as do some of the libraries. Some places do it online, some face to face.

Shifts shouldn’t be a problem even for the face to face tuition - each person can work at their own pace, so you may not have to attend every class, just when available.

There’s a recognised exam at the end.


Cost is up to a couple of hundred pounds, depending on which modules you take. In scotland, you may be eligible for an Individual Training Account (ITA), depending on income level, which could fund up to £200.

This is the truth as uttered by Delphi him/herself.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

This is the truth as uttered by Delphi him/herself.

I have also applied for a supervisor's job in Evans Cycles
They are not asking for Office skills either.
Neither they are asking for bike mechanic skills

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Ah, how did we do stuff before the internet?
Found my ECDL course, the 7 modules, at the Mitchell library.
Applied for it and for my ITA at the same time

 

[Slick]

Ah, how did we do stuff before the internet?
Found my ECDL course, the 7 modules, at the Mitchell library.
Applied for it and for my ITA at the same time

Perfect Pat, good luck with it.

 

[tom73]

Good for you Pat if you can go for it.

On a side note ECDL is shockley bad example of online training. The admin training is even worse running it was a right pain in the neck. Lucky it was dropped from league tables so it's no more at school. Openly sold as requiring as little as 60 hours contact time and equivalent to 2 GCSE's a total joke.

 

[Saluki]

While you at at it, have a look at The Skills Network website. All Level 2 courses are free and there may be something in their catalogue that may suit. I have done a couple of courses to get my head back into learning.
Just signed up for AAT Level 2 accounts training. I may as well get a qualification for the job that I already do. Better pay too.

 

[Sharky]

Ah, how did we do stuff before the internet?
Found my ECDL course, the 7 modules, at the Mitchell library.
Applied for it and for my ITA at the same time

Paper, carbon paper and snowpake

 

[Cycleops]

I have also applied for a supervisor's job in Evans Cycles
They are not asking for Office skills either.
Neither they are asking for bike mechanic skills

You sure it wasn't Halfords,?

 

[Brandane]

I feel a certain amount of bluffing is required if one wants a change of career, after all I get new starts without a clue all the time, they must have fooled the recruitment officers

I got a job as handyman/gardener at a care home when I have no trade or skills, am allergic to most plants, and can't stand gardening! I think they were fooled by my good rapport with a few of the residents pre-interview . Two and a half years later I'm still there and getting good appraisals, so must be doing something right .

Good luck with your intended change of careers.