What are digital skills and how do I get them?

Examples of digital skills

Programming

This is the backbone of all forms of digital development, being able to make the computer do as you want it to in its own languages (Python, Java, etc). This could be making a web page, starting an application, getting a new device to function as intended or even coding something much grander.

Data Analysis and Spreadsheets

This could be as simple as researching online to as complex as having to crunch the numbers for the entire company’s income and expenses, so if you can do it fast, then you could be invaluable to an employer. This has been key for businesses’ organisation in their finance, marketing and even in everyday operations, and is still a daily tool today, and will likely continue being.

Cloud Computing

Similar to programming, cloud computing is understanding the processes behind putting computer services on the internet. Businesses often have their backbone in this field as it is an on-demand, scalable and pay-as-you go way of delivering computing services over the internet. This could be hosting a web page, storing files in the cloud, data analysis on a wide scale, backups and recovery, remote collaboration tools, AI and machine learning and even streaming services.

Cybersecurity

This is a constantly invaluable skill, being able to protect data, networks and systems from external attacks, which businesses definitely want if they have any information shared digitally within the company. This could be protecting the whole of Microsoft by upgrading the firewalls on an Xbox controller, or even just being safe online.

AI & Machine Learning

Having skills in this area means being able to fluently prompt, understand and guide AI systems to do what you require of them, for example using them not to write an entire page, but perhaps allowing them to assist in certain vocabulary or even brainstorming ideas. This is more recently useful as AI becomes a prominent part of society.

Digital Marketing

Most businesses will look for some skills in this, especially if you are aiming for a social media or other marketing role as these skills mean you have the ability to make the public see things how you want them to through digital media, whether it be getting the public to go to a certain business over another or trying to make them buy a certain product, these skills are essential as more marketing moves online.

How do I develop these skills?

There are many ways to find your way into these skills, there are many courses, online as well as in school subjects like digital literacy and ICT. A prominent new way of developing many of these skills is the Certificate in Applied Computing. This is part of the Greater Manchester Baccalaureate, in partnership with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Together, they have made this qualification, an extensive set of lessons, resources and tasks to allow you to have a go yourself at developing these skills. From making a business logo to learning how to spreadsheet, the certificate really shines for anyone looking for ways to develop their digital skills. I can speak from experience with the certificate, as I have completed it recently. Although the certificate is not a complete IT course, it is a great way to gain new skills and understand new topics, and it is good fun.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham is involved and has said that, “The Raspberry Pi Foundation does fantastic work teaching young people about computing and how to create using digital technologies, and we look forward to working with them to drive forward our technical education ambitions. This qualification offers knowledge and skills that have genuine application in the workplace”.

The course has been particularly great for me as it allowed me to be able to gain a qualification in an area that I was unable to pursue due to other focus subjects.