IT Skills

 

When someone says “IT skills,” your brain might go straight to complicated code, endless spreadsheets, or asking your dad how to reset the Wi-Fi.

But in reality, IT skills are everywhere - and the more confident you are with them, the smoother your life (and career) becomes.

In Half Term 6, we focused on the everyday digital skills that will set you up for success, no matter where you're heading next. Because being tech-savvy doesn’t mean being an expert - it means being comfortable, capable, and confident with the tools you use all the time.

 

You’ve Already Built Loads of IT Skills!

Without even realising it, your tutoring year has levelled up your digital abilities. Let’s break it down:

1. Presentation tools

Whether you’ve whipped up PowerPoints or used Google Slides to explain fractions, you’ve been using digital presentation skills that employers value a lot.

2. Data + organisation

You’ve managed pupil lists, tracked progress, updated feedback sheets, and maybe even used Excel. These things scream “organised professional” - especially to future employers.

3. Communication

Sending professional emails, using shared drives, understanding how to share documents or troubleshoot file issues - these are modern workplace essentials.

4. Video calls + online learning

You’ve attended our training sessions over Zoom. Knowing how to present yourself well online is a skill worth shouting about.

 

Tools You’ll Want in Your Digital Toolkit

You don’t need to be a coding wizard. But getting comfortable with certain platforms and tools will help in any professional environment:

  • For writing, you’ll want to know Google Docs / Word.

  • For presenting, Google Slides, PowerPoint and Canva are all good shouts!

  • Data management - Google Sheets / Excel are your best friend.

  • Wanting to stay organised? Try using Google Calendar, Trello, or my personal favourite - Notion!

  • Communication - Gmail, Outlook / Teams are all there to help.

Don’t worry if you don’t know them all yet - most are intuitive once you start using them. And there are loads of free YouTube tutorials if you ever get stuck.

 

Why It Matters For What’s Next

No matter your future path, digital skills are non-negotiable. Here’s why:

Digital skills aren’t just for tech jobs - they’re for all jobs.

 
 

University

You’ll need to collaborate on group projects, format essays, give presentations, and manage deadlines online.

Apprenticeships & Jobs

Employers expect digital fluency - from email etiquette to using CRMs or spreadsheets.

Creative Industries:

Design tools like Canva, social media scheduling platforms, and content creation apps all count.

Entrepreneurship

As a freelancer, you’ll rely heavily on tech to market, invoice, and organise your time.

 
 
 

IT Safety

With digital skills also comes digital responsibility. A few golden rules:

  • Never share your passwords (and use different ones for different platforms).

  • Keep your devices updated - this helps protect your data.

  • Think before you click: phishing emails are real and sneaky.

  • Know what’s appropriate to share in a professional email, file, or workspace.

 

Taking It Forward

Want to keep sharpening your digital skills?

  • Try out a free course on platforms like Google Digital Garage, LinkedIn Learning, or FutureLearn.

  • Offer to help a friend or relative create a CV, design a flyer, or make a spreadsheet. It’s great practice - and a nice favour.

  • If you’re heading to uni, check what tools your course uses and get ahead now.

Remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being proactive.

 

Your Challenge This Week

Pick one new IT tool you haven’t used much before and try it out. A few ideas:

  • Make a revision timetable in Google Sheets

  • Create a personal CV template in Canva

  • Explore Notion or Trello to organise your uni packing list or summer goals

Take 20 minutes, have a play, and boost your digital confidence. Future you will thank you.

 
Professional SkillsJennifer Haynes