Skills for Digitalisation
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, digital skills are no longer just an advantage – they’re essential. Whether you’re entering the workforce, looking to advance your career, or exploring new opportunities, understanding how technology is shaping industries can help you stay ahead. From mastering essential business software to using cutting-edge tools like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity, digital skills are transforming the way we work. On this page, we’ll highlight the key digital skills needed across different sectors, show you how to develop them, and guide you to the best training options to boost your employability.
What do we mean by digital skills?
Digital skills are the tools and technologies that power today’s workplaces. Whether it’s using basic office software such as Microsoft Office, managing online transactions, or working with complex data systems, digital skills play a crucial role in almost every industry.
But not all digital skills are the same. Some are essential for day-to-day tasks, while others are highly specialised, depending on the sector.
To make things clearer, we’ve grouped digital skills into key categories – ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced tech and data skills. Understanding where your skills fit can help you focus on the right training and career opportunities. These skills can be categorised as:-
- Basic digital literacy (using emails, basic office software, internet safety)
- Business & productivity tools (CRM systems, project management software, financial tools)
- Creative digital skills (graphic design, video editing, digital marketing)
- Tech & data skills (coding, data analysis, AI & automation, cybersecurity)
- Sector-specific digital skills (e.g. digital POS systems in hospitality, telehealth in healthcare)
Digital skills by industry
Take a look at this table which gives you an idea of what type of digital skills are used in different industry sectors. Don’t worry you don’t need to have all these skills – just use this to see where your skills gaps are and then decide what digital skills training would be best for you.
Developing your digital skills
No matter where you are in your career journey, there are plenty of ways to build and strengthen your digital skills. Whether you prefer self-paced online courses, hands-on workshops, or formal qualifications, there’s a training option to suit your needs. From free resources and short courses to industry-recognised certifications, investing in digital skills can open doors to new opportunities and make you more competitive in the job market. Explore the options below to find the best way to upskill and future-proof your career.
Online platforms – FutureLearn, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Google Digital Garage (free courses)
Colleges & universities – digital apprenticeships, part-time courses
Industry certifications – e.g. CompTIA for IT, HubSpot for marketing, Adobe for creative tools
Workshops & bootcamps – e.g. coding bootcamps, data analytics short courses
Local courses and education providers that could support your digital skills development can be found here.