Digital literacy has become one the most important skills sought by employers.

has recently placed it number two in its list of professional attributes needed to progress successfully in a modern workplace. Digital literacy has also been more important to job hunters than a degree.

You may assume that a lack of digital literacy is an issue exclusively in older workers, but this is far from the truth. Despite being the first generation to be ‘raised by the internet’ Gen Z employees often have an IT skills gap due to their lack of experience working on a desktop – with more proficiency on mobile and tablet devices.

�ڽ�����, Wales’ leading training provider, is introducing a new work-based qualification to ensure all employees have a basic understanding of the systems they work with every day.

The Digital Skills for Business course also helps organisations make the most of the programmes they have invested in for their staff. With pricey licence fees, it is important that those using the software know the tips and tricks to not only make work efficient but also effective for the business.

Lucy Wilkinson, Digital Services Route Manager at �ڽ�����, said: “Digital Skills for Business is all about confidence boosting and gives employers an efficient way to ensure all staff have a base level understanding of the digital software they use.

“The course can also boost a company’s efficiency, teaching staff the tips, tricks and shortcuts to the programs they likely use regularly but not to their full potential.

“From a personal point of view, the course gives accreditation and looks great on a CV.”

At Level Two, the qualification explores topics such as digital sharing, navigating commonly used programs like Teams, Canva and spreadsheets. Learners are also given a basic understanding of how to properly prepare documents in word processing software as well as create presentations (although no delivery is required to complete the course.)

There are also modules on security and health and safety, as well as other units in spreadsheets, email and social media where learners can pick and choose what is applicable to their role and business.

Organisations are likely to have invested a lot more into digital software in recent years, particularly with the rise of remote and hybrid working, so it is important that staff are making the most of these costly investments.

The work-based training at Level Two is aimed at anyone who uses a computer for their job.

�ڽ����� is also offering Digital Skills for Business at Level Three for those in a more digital savvy and data-led role.

Ideal for high level administrators, project managers or similar, the Level Three course explores database software and how it can be used to report and use data efficiently.

Aiming to bridge the gap between admin and analytics, the qualification focuses on data modelling and the advanced features of IT tools staff are already familiar with.

Lucy added: “At Level Three, learners get a better understanding of the equipment they use for their role, boosting efficiency in their work.

“Digital Skills for Business can ensure software is used to its full potential.”

If you would like to learn more about how �ڽ�����’s Digital Skills for Business courses can elevate you or your workforce, then get in touch.

One of the highlights of National Apprenticeship Week is the ability to showcase the sheer variety of opportunities and the routes learners take to achieve their personal and professional goals, all while challenging the stereotypes of what an apprentice can be.

Mia Hodges is a Medical Education apprentice working within the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. She is also undertaking the Digital Application Support apprenticeship with training provider, �ڽ�����.

Mia decided upon this route as she had always wanted to work within the NHS and the ‘learn as you earn’ aspect of an apprenticeship appealed to her.

She said:

“I knew that I would have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, achieve nationally recognised qualifications and get support while working closely with healthcare professionals.”

In the first few months of the role she found her work environment ‘happy, friendly and encouraging’, working on a variety of day-to-day tasks alongside constant knowledge sharing.

Despite being new to position she found that her colleagues were always willing to listen to her ideas and she was given the chance to demonstrate skills that would benefit the team, receiving constant recognition and support while completing tasks.

A surprising perk to the role has been its flexibility, allowing for a healthy work-life balance and an increase in productivity.

Mia’s Digital Application Support apprenticeship is designed for any learner working in a digital office who uses cloud-based systems such as Microsoft 365 or Google for Business. It is aimed at giving a greater understanding of the software professionals are likely to use every day.

Mia shared how she has been able to use these new skills and apply them to her role. She said: “I am often involved within the creative digital design of content for courses and teaching – to then see your work being used and having good feedback is gratifying.

“After showing a keen interest in social media, my team handed over the running of our departmental Twitter page to me. This made me feel valued within the team and demonstrated that they also valued my aspirations.”

Looking to the future, Mia is keen to progress in her career and further develop within Medical Education.

She added: “I would like to work more within the creative digital design of content, as well as run our social media accounts – but on a bigger scale.

“For the short term, I would like to gain further qualifications at a higher level to push myself and my learning. But the long-term goal is to play a significant part within the running of the NHS.”

While the use of AI by the general public has become more widespread in recent months (you only have to look at the wealth of generated images now used on social media to see this) the use of AI as a business tool has been around for a long time. We’re talking decades.��

The benefits of AI to your business may not be obvious, especially if you are not part of the digital or technology sector, but AI can be implemented into any organisation to improve efficiency, save money and even increase innovation.��

�ڽ�����, Wales’ leading training provider, isn’t new to the AI game either. We are proof that this technology can be implemented regardless of industry.����

At �ڽ����� we have used ChatGPT within our Systems Development team. It helps the team solve problems such as finding out why a particular piece of code doesn’t work. This allows for more efficient completion of tasks, freeing up our staff to do more important work.����

We also use the program in recruitment. It is used to create effective interview tasks and questions, based on key job role criteria, allowing for simple but effective questions that are designed to get the most insight on candidates based on their knowledge and experience.������

Our Curriculum and Resource Development team use it to stimulate thinking and overcome ‘blank page’ at the beginning of any project. The tool can be given learning outcomes and asked to create session ideas or improvements to existing resources.������

Talking about the influence of AI in the education sector and the wider world of work, Managing Director at �ڽ����� Richard Spear, said:

AI is an extremely powerful and exciting development that has the potential to add even more value to the services we delivery to learners. ��

“We are currently developing training to help staff and learners know how to use AI sensibly and ethically.����

“At the end of the day, our work is all about people and that will not change. AI cannot motivate, empathise, coach and encourage our learners.����

“I don’t see AI as a threat to jobs, but something that can help us solve problems, produce resources and be even more efficient.”��

Another way in which technology is changing the education sector, specifically in its delivery, is through hybrid teaching.��

The pandemic brought about the escalation of remote learning and while many of us were forced to make do with video calling, there are limitations to what a remote classroom or meeting space can provide.��

�ڽ����� has recently invested in a digital room, offering high spec technology to a teaching setting.��

The room is kitted out with a camera that is controlled through hand gestures. With it, the host or speaker can present and freely move around the room while the innovative camera tracks their movements. It can also zoom in on different people, as well as lock on to a whiteboard for seamless information sharing.��

The room is easy to set up, with hosts only needing a lapel microphone and basic training to navigate the system.��

Sam Holland, �ڽ�����’s Curriculum Development Manager, said: “The digital room is an investment in nurturing inclusivity. It means learning is more flexible and learners can embark on a course that fits around them and their personal commitments.��

“Whenever workshops are delivered in our digital delivery suite, they are delivered in a hybrid way. So, whether you attend in person or at home, you’re still getting the same experience.”��

Find �ڽ�����’s array of digital courses here.

Apprenticeships are a great way to upskill existing members of staff at all levels of seniority within a business. Subjects range from social media and finance to customer service and management, meaning that no matter what industry you’re in you will find a topic to interest and benefit you.��

A perfect example of the diversity of work-based learning is David Chaffey’s apprenticeship journey. David is a Switchboard Operator at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, he is the first point of contact for the telecommunication service at the board.��

His role involves providing a fast, friendly and efficient service to fellow employees, members of the general public and other partner organisations.��

A keen learner, David undertook the Level 3 IT Users qualification to boost his proficiency in the tools he used each day, although it wasn’t without its challenges.��

David is visually impaired and uses a JAWS screen reader to help complete tasks.����

“I wanted to have a better understanding of Office 365 and how I could use it to maximise whatever work I am doing, alongside my screen reader,” David explained.��

And it wasn’t long before he was able to transfer the skills developed within the qualification to everyday role.��

He said:

“The course gave me the confidence, skills and knowledge to be able to use Office 365 in a whole new way.����

“Prior to it I used Outlook and Word, but that was about it. Since undertaking the course, I am happy to use the entirety of the Office suite which has not only benefitted me in my current role but has enabled me to maximise it in my secondment role as a Disability Inclusion Officer.”��

One of the advantages to an apprenticeship is that the course is flexible and can be completed parallel to your role, complimenting your work.��

“This style of learning suited me as I could work, but still learn and develop my skills and knowledge, applying it to my work environment and gaining real life experience,” David said.��

If learners have additional needs that must be considered while they are working towards their qualification, �ڽ����� can make changes or adaptions. In David’s case, he had a reader and writer to help him with the completion of coursework.����

“I have received excellent support throughout the course,” David said. “I will admit I nearly didn’t finish it but luckily with the support that I received from the tutors and the reader and writer, I have now achieved this goal and I must admit it is the best feeling.”��

Learners looking to undertake a work-based apprenticeship may need to complete Essential Skills – a set of qualifications to ensure the learner has a solid foundation in maths, communication and digital literacy. Not only did David complete his IT course, he also achieved his Essential Skills boosting his confidence and employability skills.��

David’s tutor at �ڽ�����, Caitlin Edmonds, said: “David has excelled in his courses, particularly in the speaking and listening tasks. Something that stuck with me was his confidence in his presentation explaining how he has been helping to revamp and train others in the health board to ensure that each visually impaired person has the little things in place for them when arriving at the hospital.����

“David had a calm and confident approach to learning and never let his disability get in his way. Every time he completed a qualification, he reflected on how well he had done, how much he had learnt and overcome to achieve his goal.”��

As Project Coordinator for Cwmpas, an economic development agency Thomas was keen to expand his social media knowledge further and signed up for a��Level 3 Social Media for Business qualification.����

“I was looking to undertake something new and social media was an area of my role where I felt I could learn more. For me, the qualification offered a free learning opportunity which I’d be accredited for at the end of it.”��

The Level 3 Social Media for Business Apprenticeship supports learners in developing various digital media skills that can be transferable across many sectors. Equipping learners with the skills knowledge and competency to support business systems, processes and services, the qualification enables learners to use social media in a more efficient and productive way.��

Speaking about the qualification, Thomas commented, “I’ve really enjoyed the qualification and liked that I got to pick and choose the units that best suited my work needs. There are mandatory units to cover your core knowledge but then there’s a huge choice around the units you can tailor fit around you. It enables you to both grow your knowledge and your confidence at the same time.����

“For me learning about Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and increasing brand visibility was essential learning for engagement. The outcome is that I’ve adapted my approach and engagement with my network has really improved without necessarily advertising.”��

Thomas is a firm advocator of upskilling on the job and believes apprenticeships are a smart and savvy choice for anyone looking to boost their career progression – especially in the current economic climate.����

I’ve always had a big drive and ambition to improve my education. I knew I was worthy of a meaningful career and greater opportunities and recognised I needed to demonstrate that to make it happen. I took the advantage of free training in Wales!��

“I’ve seen a shift from wanting specific A ‘Levels and degrees when hiring, to businesses like Cwmpas that want people to have a good standard of education which is representative of the role you’re going for. This is where apprenticeships come in massively! I’ve not got a degree in Management but I do have a range of qualifications in Leadership & Management, Business Administration and now social media. It makes up a nice package of skills!����

Social Media particularly, is vital in today’s market place as it allows businesses to both attract and engage customers, while increasing market reach. Through his Social Media for Business qualification, Thomas can devise and implement marketing campaigns ideas to drive business and raise the visibility of his current work project.��

“The biggest thing the qualification has given me is the confidence that I’m doing something right. You’re more likely to perform your job better if you feel confident. This qualification gives you tools so you have the knowledge, confidence, experience and know how to figure out how best to adapt your approach.”��

Navigating an apprenticeship alongside work commitments may seem overwhelming but Thomas stresses that with commitment and support, an apprenticeship is a viable option for anyone in the workplace.����

I would absolutely recommend apprenticeships to anyone. They’re not something you do when you’re young and you think you’re not academic. This perception is wrong! Apprenticeships are a viable way of upskilling yourself, showing your responsible and committed to learning while gaining confidence and being an asset to your workplace.�� Also, they’re free!����

“The support from �ڽ����� has been fantastic too. The assessors have always been on hand and provided a great deal of reassurance, guidance and been really encouraging and flexible. My value in the workplace has increased since undertaking my apprenticeships and I’m now in a position to share my knowledge with others in the business.”��

Despite only recently completing his Social Media for Business qualification, Thomas has already set his sights on further qualifications which will enable him to reach his goal of becoming a Business Advisor.����

“I’ve applied to do Community Shares Practitioner Training which will demonstrate my skills as a Business Advisor. For me, it’s about future proofing myself and gaining all the skills I can.”��

If you’d like to learn more about Social Media for Business and how it can future proof your career��click here.

The leading training provider helps thousands of people every year reach their potential through vocational training programmes and qualifications including Jobs Growth Wales+ (JGW+), Apprenticeships and Higher Apprenticeships, employability training, short commercial courses, and more.

Its new centre in Pontypool will help work-based learners aged 16-19 access the Welsh Government’s JGW+ programme, where they will develop their employability skills, receive wellbeing support and mentoring and participate in fun and challenging ‘enrichment’ activities, work experience and volunteering opportunities.

The new premises located on Commercial Street was officially opened by Member of the Senedd for Torfaen, Lynne Neagle, who had the opportunity to meet learners and staff, including Head of Youth Engagement and Training at �ڽ�����, Leon Patnett.

Leon said: “We’re absolutely delighted about the opening of this brand new site in Pontypool as part of our expansion to help us meet the needs of young people.”

We know how important the combination of valuable skills, qualifications, and experiences is when it comes to career progression in all sectors, and our Torfaen centre will offer access to all routes, including Apprenticeships and placements through the JGW+ scheme, to help support this.

�ڽ����� delivers qualifications across 30 different sectors that are nationally recognised, from Apprenticeships in Social Media for Business, to short courses in Mental Health First Aid and much more.

Earlier this year, in collaboration with WJEC, �ڽ����� also launched a Self-Development and Wellbeing qualification to help directly address the issues and barriers that many young people in Wales are facing, with its Pontypool centre also set to deliver the qualification and help young learners develop the skills they need.

MS for Torfaen, Lynne Neagle, said following her visit to �ڽ�����’s new Pontypool centre: “I am really pleased to see �ڽ����� open its doors in Pontypool. It will offer 16–19-year-olds a real chance to make a difference to their lives by providing excellent learning programmes and opportunities.”

“Our young people are our future and the training courses and opportunities offered by �ڽ����� will help some of them achieve the futures they deserve.”

JGW+ is open to anyone living in Wales aged 16-19 years old and not in full-time education, employment, or training as a flexible programme designed around the individual learner’s needs.

�ڽ����� offers comprehensive support to learners, including a weekly training allowance of up to £60, a daily meal allowance, and assistance with travel expenses. In addition, learners receive support in finding work, route-specific qualifications, and other resources to help them succeed.

Richard Spear, Managing Director at �ڽ�����, said: “This new �ڽ����� centre in Pontypool is going to help us in bringing important opportunities to even more young people who are looking to grow and develop the skills and confidence to progress to higher learning or take their first step into the world of work.

“I’m really proud of my colleagues in bringing this facility together and I know the team in Pontypool are really looking forward to working with even more learners based in the region to support them in pursuing their chosen careers.”

For more information on �ڽ����� Training and the qualifications it provides, visit

Digital marketing refers to the use of digital channels and technologies to promote products, services, or brands. These channels can include social media platforms, video-sharing sites, display ads on websites, email marketing, and more.

This Apprenticeship is designed to support learners with all the skills necessary to work in the marketing industry. You will look at the latest techniques and technological developments within the workplace to drive creativity, productivity and efficiency.

As Project Coordinator for Cwmpas, an economic development agency Thomas was keen to expand his social media knowledge further and signed up for a Level 3 Social Media for Business qualification.����

“I was looking to undertake something new and social media was an area of my role where I felt I could learn more. For me, the qualification offered a free learning opportunity which I’d be accredited for at the end of it.”��

The Level 3 Social Media for Business Apprenticeship supports learners in developing various digital media skills that can be transferable across many sectors. Equipping learners with the skills knowledge and competency to support business systems, processes and services, the qualification enables learners to use social media in a more efficient and productive way.��

Speaking about the qualification, Thomas commented, “I’ve really enjoyed the qualification and liked that I got to pick and choose the units that best suited my work needs. There are mandatory units to cover your core knowledge but then there’s a huge choice around the units you can tailor fit around you. It enables you to both grow your knowledge and your confidence at the same time.����

“For me learning about Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and increasing brand visibility was essential learning for engagement. The outcome is that I’ve adapted my approach and engagement with my network has really improved without necessarily advertising.”��

Thomas is a firm advocator of upskilling on the job and believes apprenticeships are a smart and savvy choice for anyone looking to boost their career progression – especially in the current economic climate.����

I’ve always had a big drive and ambition to improve my education. I knew I was worthy of a meaningful career and greater opportunities and recognised I needed to demonstrate that to make it happen. I took the advantage of free training in Wales!��

“I’ve seen a shift from wanting specific A ‘Levels and degrees when hiring, to businesses like Cwmpas that want people to have a good standard of education which is representative of the role you’re going for. This is where apprenticeships come in massively! I’ve not got a degree in Management but I do have a range of qualifications in Leadership & Management, Business Administration and now social media. It makes up a nice package of skills!����

Social Media particularly, is vital in today’s market place as it allows businesses to both attract and engage customers, while increasing market reach. Through his Social Media for Business qualification, Thomas can devise and implement marketing campaigns ideas to drive business and raise the visibility of his current work project.��

“The biggest thing the qualification has given me is the confidence that I’m doing something right. You’re more likely to perform your job better if you feel confident. This qualification gives you tools so you have the knowledge, confidence, experience and know how to figure out how best to adapt your approach.”��

Navigating an apprenticeship alongside work commitments may seem overwhelming but Thomas stresses that with commitment and support, an apprenticeship is a viable option for anyone in the workplace.����

I would absolutely recommend apprenticeships to anyone. They’re not something you do when you’re young and you think you’re not academic. This perception is wrong! Apprenticeships are a viable way of upskilling yourself, showing your responsible and committed to learning while gaining confidence and being an asset to your workplace.�� Also, they’re free! ��

“The support from �ڽ����� has been fantastic too. The assessors have always been on hand and provided a great deal of reassurance, guidance and been really encouraging and flexible. My value in the workplace has increased since undertaking my apprenticeships and I’m now in a position to share my knowledge with others in the business.”��

Despite only recently completing his Social Media for Business qualification, Thomas has already set his sights on further qualifications which will enable him to reach his goal of becoming a Business Advisor.����

“I’ve applied to do Community Shares Practitioner Training which will demonstrate my skills as a Business Advisor. For me, it’s about future proofing myself and gaining all the skills I can.”��

If you’d like to learn more about Social Media for Business and how it can future proof your career click here.

Businesses have been getting social during National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2023 at an event held to highlight the benefits of investing in Digital Marketing, as the number of learners applying for digital marketing apprenticeships in Wales continues to rise.

An experienced Digital and Social Media professional with over 20 years’ experience, the respected digital marketeer was also the editorial figurehead for the BBC Content Social (TV & iPlayer) division, leading the development and execution of BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC Comedy, BBC iPlayer and BBC Masterbrand’s social media strategies.

At the event, he highlighted the business benefits of investing in Digital Marketing, and helped businesses and learners gathered to think about their digital work and needs, and how they can grow in this area.

Mr Williams, now Managing Director at social media marketing specialist Siml, told those gathered: “The ‘Holy Trinity’ of creating social media content that engages and inspires people is best defined as giving your followers information, helping to give them a better sense of identity and evoking an emotional reaction in them when they see what you are posting.”

We are talking about globally borderless platforms where the potential reach for your personal or professional brand is absolutely massive, and where being accessible and engaging in the communities relevant to what you do, and in the conversations those groups of people are having, really can result in significant successes in business terms.

As Wales’ leading provider of apprenticeships, �ڽ����� has seen a consistent uplift in the number of fully-funded digital courses it is now working to deliver across Wales in recent years.

The number of tutors recruited to its Digital Services Team has also expanded four-fold within that time, and now offers qualifications in Digital Marketing, Digital Learning Practitioners, Social Media for Business and Digital Application Support.

Richard Spear, Managing Director at �ڽ�����, “We are absolutely over the moon to have secured such a high-profile, well respected digital marketeer to come and talk to our guests, and can’t thank Owen enough for his time.”

Richard said “Owen highlighted the importance of social media in reaching new customers. Unfortunately, many businesses do not have the skills to use this key tool effectively and are therefore missing out on growth.

“That’s why we are using National Apprenticeship Week to highlight the amazing opportunities available through the Welsh Government’s apprenticeship programme. Our digital marketing apprenticeship, for example, has helped learners embark on an exciting new career and supported businesses to achieve their potential”

“As well as our fantastic Digital Services programmes we have a huge range of apprenticeship opportunities and would encourage employers to get in touch to find out how to take advantage of these highly-effective fully-funded training programmes” Richard added.

For more information on our apprenticeship programme or digital qualifications, visit