Ascentis Entry Level Award in Essential Digital Skills for Work and Life (Entry 3)

Qualification Overview

This qualification focuses on bridging the gap between the digital first (individuals who own multiple digital devices and interact with online content on a daily basis) and the digitally disengaged (individuals who have little or no experience of using digital devices and accessing online content).

Research conducted in 2019 found that 8% of the UK adult population have no basic digital skills, 22% of people do not have the essential digital skills needed for day-to-day life and 53% of UK employees do not have the digital skills required for work.

With innovations in technology and the increasing demand for online services, it is important to ensure that all individuals are able to participate in life, work and further study by providing them with the opportunity to gain these increasingly important digital skills. Without these skills, individuals will be at a significant disadvantage. It was found that on average, adults who lack these basic digital skills earn less than those who are competent in the 5 skill areas covered in this qualification. They are also less likely to progress in their careers and are missing opportunities to save money and better manage their finances.

The skills acquired through this qualification will allow learners to be digitally mobile and access important governmental services, transact online and explore technologies, which will improve their social interactions with family and friends.

Aims

The aims of the qualification are to enable learners:

• To develop essential digital skills necessary for work, life and further study
• To interact with digital devices and handle information appropriately
• To create, edit and store digital content
• To share content and communicate effectively using digital devices
• To develop transacting skills necessary for work and life
• To be safe, confident and responsible online

Target Group

This qualification is aimed at learners who:

• Have little or no prior experience in using digital devices or the internet, who wish to gain digital skills for specific work, life or study purposes.
• Require basic skills to provide personal information to government agencies and utility companies.
• Would like to have a digital presence and communicate with family, friends, peers and colleagues who live at a distance.