Building digital skills for your future

Digital skills are more important than ever. Paying bills, job searching, and shopping are all done online. We communicate, make art, and organize our lives with computers. Even the way we work has changed, and employers are looking to hire people comfortable with technology. According to the National Skills Coalition, there is substantial demand for digital skills among entry level and middle skill jobs. They also say that over the next decade, half of tasks across all industries are expected to go digital and approximately two-thirds of jobs will require some level of digital skills.

The question then is, how do you get started? Chances are you have some experience with a smart phone. Your phone is a great jumping off point but most work is done on laptop or desktop computers, so one of those will be important. In addition, an internet connection is essential for a computer to do almost anything today. As such, the next step to building your digital skills will be to get set up with a computer and an internet connection.

Of course, computers usually aren’t cheap, not to mention the monthly internet bills. Luckily there is a way to get help: the Affordable Connectivity Program. ACP is a federal program that can cover up to $30 per month towards your internet bill. This means that if you sign up for an internet plan that costs less than $30 a month (which are available through Comcast, Verizon, and more), you can get your home connected for free. ACP also can help you purchase a computer through certain internet providers so that you only pay between $10 and $50 for it. There are a lot of different ways to qualify (and there’s no citizenship requirement) so it’s worth checking to see if you do.

For more details, go to Affordableconnectivity.gov or call 877-384-2575.

Once you have a computer and internet access, the next step is practice. If you can navigate online or have a family member that can help you get started, there are websites where you can go to build essential skills for free. Here are a few I recommend:

typing.com – Essential skills classes in English and Spanish. Making an account is optional.

digitalliteracyassessment.org – Take lessons, test your skills, and earn certificates. Making an account is optional but unlocks more features. English only.

applieddigitalskills.withgoogle.com – Wide range of subjects, activities, and skill levels. Focuses on Google apps and requires a Google account (aka a Gmail). Available in English and Spanish.

Set a goal for something you want to be able to do on the computer and pick out lessons that get you there. Even if you can’t anticipate the exact skill needed by a particular job, the more comfortable you are with computers, the easier it will be to pick up new skills. If you prefer in person learning or need additional support, Esperanza can help. We offer workshops and personalized assistance for learning digital skills. Call 267-270-2452 for more information.

Knowing how to use a computer is more important than ever, but the good news is that there are also more resources than ever to help. Whether you’re looking to expand the knowledge you already have, or are just starting to learn, now is the perfect time to get started.