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Returning to work, starting your first job, or changing careers? Build the Microsoft and AI skills employers need with practical, self-paced training from Smart Skills Academy. Ready to take the next step in your career? Whether you’re returning to the workforce, starting out in your first role, or making a complete career change, this is your moment. With the right skills, you can walk in confident, capable, and ready to shine from day one. It’s all about removing the overwhelm, learning in a simple, friendly way, and building the skills that will set you up for success. At Smart Skills Academy, we’ll help you master the Microsoft Office skills employers look for, so you can feel confident in interviews, show your value, and secure that role you’ve been working towards. We will be here to hold your hand, while your confidence grows, every step of the way 92% of employers value basic digital skills World Skills UK 1/2 of UK office workers admit to being unable to fully understand how to use Microsoft tools STL Skills Survey 69% of UK leaders believe their organisation is facing a digital skills gap. Microsoft and Goldsmiths, University of London 1/3 of employees believe their lack of IT skills prevent them from doing their job effectively. STL Skills Survey 72% of employers are unwilling to interview candidates who lack basic IT skills House of Commons Science & Technology Committee Why these skills are so important Why Microsoft Office Skills Matter Are you returning to work? Coming back to the workplace after time away can feel daunting, but the right preparation changes everything. At Smart Skills Academy, we provide a supportive way to refresh and update your Microsoft Office skills so you feel confident stepping back into a professional environment. You’ll rediscover your strengths, learn new techniques, and be ready to show employers you’re capable and prepared for the challenges ahead. Entering the workplace for the first time? Starting out in the world of work is exciting – and a little nerve-wracking. Our training gives you the core Microsoft Office skills that will help you succeed from the very beginning. You’ll learn how to work efficiently, present your ideas clearly, and contribute effectively to a team, so you can make a great impression and hit the ground running in your first role. Making a career change? Making a career change is a bold move, and having the right skills can make the transition smoother. Smart Skills Academy equips you with adaptable Microsoft Office knowledge that applies across industries, helping you step into your new path with confidence. By learning how to communicate, organise, and present professionally, you’ll show potential employers you have what it takes to excel in your next chapter. AI skills that employers are already looking for AI is moving fast, and employers know it. Whether you're returning to work after a break, stepping into your first role, or pivoting into a new career, being able to demonstrate AI confidence is quickly becoming one of the most valuable things you can show a hiring manager. The problem is that most people don't know where to start — and that uncertainty can hold you back before you've even got through the door. The good news is that you don't need to be a tech expert. Microsoft Copilot is built directly into Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — the tools employers already expect you to know. Learning to use AI alongside these applications doesn't just save you time, it signals to any employer that you're forward-thinking, adaptable, and ready for the modern workplace. How Smart Skills Academy helps: My AI Essentials course is designed for complete beginners and takes just two hours to complete. By the end, you'll know how to use AI to draft documents, analyse data, build presentations, and write prompts that get real results — practical, demonstrable skills you can talk about confidently in any interview and start using from day one in any role. "If you need to master Excel, you absolutely must talk to Gemma. I was heading into a new job where Excel for reporting was non-negotiable. I felt nervous, but Gemma made the whole experience wonderfully easy and fun. I now feel totally confident using Excel in my new role, and I can't thank her enough!" — Hannah, Business Development Manager Quick Links Excel Excel Tests Excel Shortcuts Word Word Tests Word Shortcuts Powerpoint PowerPoint Tests PowerPoint Shortcuts AI Essentials More Questions? Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions. Looking for Coaching? Gemma does offer 1:2:1 training, group coaching and bespoke training sessions. Click here for more info. Certificate of Achievement Once you have completed your course you have the opportunity to sit a multiple choice exam. If you gain the required 70% pass rate you will be sent a certificate of accomplishment - a valuable addition to your CV or personal statement. Microsoft Excel Associate Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Excel with our beginner friendly course. More Info

Frequently asked questions about Smart Skills Academy courses — content, costs, certificates, refunds, devices, and more. Can't find your answer? Get in touch with Gemma directly. More Questions? Welcome to the 'More Questions' page! Here, I aim to provide you with all the information you need to decide if these training courses are right for you. Whether you're curious about course content, enrolment procedures, or technical support, you'll find answers to common enquiries here. If you don't see what you're looking for, feel free to reach out to Gemma directly via the 'Get in Touch ' form. Are these courses for me? Only you can really decide that, my advice is to have a good read through the site, including the other questions and answers in this section. If you have any remaining queries why not reach out; click here Do I need to sit a formal exam? With some of our courses there is an option to sit a formal exam, but the choice is entirely yours. If you chose to sit the additional formal exam we will provide the information you need to arrange your accredited exam. This will be done via a Microsoft centre and all associated costs will be additional and paid directly to them. Do I need a Microsoft License? Yes you do! You might be able to get this for free, as part of a college or university, or via your employer. There are various packages available on the Microsoft website and all have a free trial. You can check this out before you join the course; Microsoft 365 Plans Will you test my progress? At the end of the course we provide multiple choice exams which will assess your level of knowledge. You can use this for your own sense of achievement or to help prep for a formal exam. What payments types do you accept? Payments are taken via the Wix website payment portal. You can pay via paypal, bank or credit card. Does the course expire? No, once you have joined you can work through the course at your own pace. Can I take a test to see if the training is worthwhile for me? If you are unsure if you have the skills required why not purchase the ' Test Package' before you buy the course? This will give you an insight into your level of understanding prior to committing to the full test of the course. How do I know what is right for me? This is a great question and something I do get asked a lot. I have created a skills audit to help people understand which learning path might be right for them. Access the quizzes here . Do you offer a multiple course discount? Occasionally yes. These types of offers will be sent to your via subscription emails and posted on our social media pages so please do keep an eye out! What are the costs? If you head to the ' Courses' section you will see all the pricing details. Courses range from £25 to £149 I have subscribed to a plan - what do I need to do now? If you head to the 'Subscription' section you will see the next steps laid out for you. What's included in the course? The course is designed that you will be given everything you need. The documents included are detailed in the individual course sections; Click here. You will need a Microsoft licence but how to attain this is explained in the first video once you have joined. How long does the course take? Each course is a different length and of course some people need to practice more and watch the labs more than once. Each lab is between 5-15 minutes long. Can this course be completed on a phone? All the course content can be viewed on a phone but completing the tasks would be difficult due to the requirement to use the Microsoft suite on such a small screen. Do I need more than one device? Having multiple devices or multiple screens does make life easier, but the course can be done on one device, with you pausing the lab video and completing the steps along the way. Do I only get one choice for the final exam? The final multiple choice exam is set to allow you 3 attempts - you can do it! Will you add more courses? Yes absolutely! We have some ideas in the pipeline already so watch this space! What's the refund policy? We hope you are going to love your new course, but if for any reason you decide you would like a refund you can contact us to discuss the situation. The refund policy can be found here. Can I take each lesson more than once? Yes, the whole course will be available to you for as long and as you need. There is no limit to how many times you watch the labs or complete the worksheets. What are the different types of tests? Included as part of the course are multiple choice exams, to help assess your level of understanding. We then provide additional optional tests should you wish to get them. These are priced separately and can be purchased at any time from the 'Courses' page. Will this help me in my future career? Microsoft skills boost productivity and job prospects. Excel, Word, and PowerPoint help with data analysis, documents, and presentations - key in any career. These skills make candidates more competitive and open doors to new opportunities. Click here for statistics on how. Will I get a certificate? At the end of each course you have the option to sit a multiple choice timed exam. If you choose to sit the test, and get above the 70% pass rate you will be emailed a Certificate of Achievement! What happens once I join? You will get a welcome email and all the links you need including a participant log in. From here you can navigate to your ' Welcome ' page and access the course material. Will this help me get a job? Yes, there is lots of evidence that these skills will be attractive to employers. Click here for stats. Will this look good on my CV? Yes, there is lots of evidence that these skills will boost your CV. Click here for statistics on how. Are these classed as Essential Skills? Yes, using digital tools effectively, (including Microsoft) have been identified as part of the '20 Essential Digital Skills'. Click here for more information. Can you keep me up to date on new releases? Yes, you can subscribe to occasional news letters and emails, these will keep you up to date on new releases and updates from Gemma. Click here to complete the form or go to the 'Home' page. I work as a freelance digital nomad would these courses be good for me? Absolutely, these would be a perfect fit for your role requirements as well as your CV! So much so, we have a webpage designed specifically for you! Click here. Could this be something that works alongside my teenagers school education? Absolutely, these would be a great addition to any teenagers study portfolio, there is such a digital skills shortage in this age group I have created a webpage designed specifically! Click here. I home educate, could this work for my children? Absolutely, these would be a marvellous addition to any independent study portfolio, in fact they are such a good compliment I have created a webpage designed specifically for home educators! Click here. I am older and struggle with technology, would this be ok for me? Yes of course! You can watch the labs back as often as you need, pause etc and all the videos are plain english, no techy jargon used. I appreciate how daunting it might feel - Click here for more information.. I am a consultant, freelancer or Virtual Assistant - can these courses help me? 100% these courses will give you not only the skills you need for your business but also the credentials to add to your CV - Click here for more information. I am stepping into work for the first time or am looking to change careers - can you help? 100% these courses are designed to for every walk of life and are fabulous additions to your CV - Click here for more information. I am looking for training for my team - can you help? Yes, absolutely. Gemma offers 2 different training types for teams. For full details head to the 'Training for Teams' page. After I finish my course is there any ongoing support available? Yes absolutely - I want every learner to be able to continue implementing their skills and gaining more confidence. I have a FREE Skool Community available to all learners. Get more info here. I want to learn AI in a fun way - can you recommend anything? I absolutely can! I have created a free 7 day AI Challenge in my Skool Community, which encourages daily engagement for only 2-3 minutes a day - but its great fun! Find out more here.

AI for Busy Professionals by Gemma Coles — a practical, jargon-free guide to using Microsoft Copilot in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook. Available now on Amazon. Book Available Now.... Over the past year, more and more people have been asking me the same thing: "Can you just explain AI simply?" Not a full course. Not hours of content. Just something clear, practical, and actually useful. So I wrote it. As someone who has delivered AI training for the UK Government and the NHS, founded Smart Skills Academy, and was ranked in the top 3% of ChatGPT users worldwide in 2025, I wanted to create something that cuts straight to what matters — without the jargon, the overwhelm, or the wasted time. This book is for busy professionals who want to understand Copilot and AI inside Microsoft 365 — Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook — and start using it straight away. Not to become an AI expert. Just to stop feeling behind and start getting real time back in their day. You can read it on the commute, between meetings, or in ten minutes whenever you have a gap. But what you take away is far more than a quick read — it's a clear, practical understanding of how AI fits into your work, and the confidence to use it. Whats inside? Inside the book, you’ll find a simple, structured introduction to AI that builds confidence step by step. Each chapter focuses on a specific area, making it easy to follow or dip in and out as needed: Let’s Make This Simple (For Real) – a reassuring starting point to remove overwhelm and build confidence AI Explained Without the Tech Talk – what AI actually is, in plain English AI in Your Workday – how it fits into what you already do (not one more thing to learn) It’s Not What You Ask – It’s How You Ask It – how to get better results with simple prompt tweaks Five Tiny AI Wins You Can Try Today – quick, practical ways to see immediate value Using AI in Word – your writing and editing partner Using AI in Excel – support with data, formulas, and analysis Using AI in PowerPoint – creating clearer, more effective slides Using AI in Teams and Outlook – reducing inbox stress and improving communication AI Gets It Wrong (And How to Spot It) – how to sense-check and stay in control Making AI Part of Your Routine – using AI naturally without overthinking it Each chapter is short, practical, and designed to help you understand how AI fits into your real working day - without overwhelm. Each chapter ends with a 'Try This Now' section and many have an accompanying QR code with a PDF quick reference guide. Amazon Listing Leave an AMAZON review AI for Busy Professionals - The Outcomes After reading this book, you will: Finally understand what AI actually is — and stop feeling like everyone else has figured it out except you Know exactly how Microsoft Copilot works inside Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook — and how to make it useful from day one Write prompts that get the results you actually want, first time — not vague outputs you have to redo Save hours every week on everyday tasks like drafting documents, summarising meetings, formatting data, and preparing presentations Know which AI tools are genuinely worth your time — and which to ignore Use AI responsibly and confidently, without second-guessing every output Go from feeling overwhelmed and behind to being the person in your team who actually knows how to use AI properly

Practical Microsoft Office and AI training for teams. Self-paced licences or bespoke live sessions delivered by a Microsoft-certified trainer with NHS and UK Government experience. Get in touch. Training for Teams Your team uses Excel, Word, PowerPoint and AI every day. But are they using them well? Most organisations assume their staff can handle the basics. The reality is that skills gaps are costing businesses hours of lost productivity every single week - through workarounds, formatting issues, formulas that don’t work, presentations that don’t land, and AI tools that sit unused because nobody knows where to start. Smart Skills Academy gives your team the practical, structured Microsoft 365 and AI training they need to work faster, more accurately, and with genuine confidence - backed by twelve months of ongoing expert support, not a one-off session. Why Smart Skills Academy? Trusted by organisations including the NHS, UK Government, and leading pharmaceutical companies, Smart Skills Academy was founded by Gemma Coles - a Microsoft Office Specialist, published AI author, and trainer with over a decade of experience delivering training that sticks. This isn’t generic e-learning. Every programme is built around real workplace tasks, practical examples and immediate application - and every programme includes ongoing support long after the training day itself, so skills become habits rather than fading away. "I asked Gemma to work with my team and offer some bespoke Excel training. She created an amazing training programme at differing skill levels, matching the needs of each individual. She communicates really well, and offers various mediums for learning from videos to one to ones. Absolutely recommend!" — Natalie, Lead Finance Business Partner. Microsoft-certified trainer 10 plus years of corporate training experience Delivered for the NHS, UK Government, and pharmaceutical organisations Author of AI for Busy Professionals (Amazon) Ranked top 3% of ChatGPT users worldwide (2025) Certificate of achievement included for every team member How it Works There are two ways to train your team with Smart Skills Academy. Choose the option that fits your organisation’s goals, budget and starting point — or combine them for maximum impact. Option 1 - Self-Paced Team Licences Flexible online learning with ongoing expert support. Give your team access to practical Microsoft 365 and AI training, with ongoing expert support built in - so learning doesn’t stop when the course does. Employees get self-paced online courses in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and AI Essentials, each designed and delivered by a Microsoft Office Specialist, structured as short video tutorials with downloadable practice documents and step-by-step walkthrough guides. Every course includes 12 months’ access to all materials, plus 12 months’ access to the Workplace Learning Hub, weekly live expert sessions with Gemma, a replay library, skill boosters, shortcut guides, an AI prompt pack, and regular Microsoft and AI update briefings. Ideal for: organisations wanting a cost-effective, flexible learning solution, and teams that need ongoing support after training rather than a one-off course. From £180 per person, per year Option 2 - Bespoke Live Training Bespoke live training with a full year of expert support. For organisations that want more than an off-the-shelf solution. We start with a discovery consultation - and, where helpful, a short employee questionnaire - to understand your team's goals, challenges and current skill levels, then design a bespoke training programme built entirely around your organisation: no generic content, no irrelevant examples. Training is delivered in focused 60–90 minute live modules at beginner, intermediate or advanced level, via screen share, with a bespoke workbook sent in advance, and every session recorded so employees can revisit it whenever they need a refresher. Includes: discovery consultation, bespoke training design and materials, live module delivery, session recordings locked to your organisation's hub, an online Microsoft 365 course for each application covered, 12 months' access to the Workplace Learning Hub, weekly live expert sessions with Gemma, and ongoing skill boosters and updates. Ideal for: organisations serious about lasting workplace change - where training needs to stick, adoption needs to happen, and return on investment needs to be measurable. From £260 per person, per year. Online Learning Topics Microsoft Excel Associate - 101 videos - 101 practice documents - 101 walkthrough sheets - 12 hours of content Individual price: £150 per seat Microsoft Word Associate - 55 videos - 55 practice documents - 55 walkthrough sheets - 6.5 hours of content Individual price: £120 per seat Microsoft PowerPoint Associate - 60 videos - 60 practice documents - 60 walkthrough sheets - 8.5 hours of content Individual price: £120 per seat AI Essentials - 10 videos - 10 workbooks - 10 quick start reference guides - 2 hours of content Individual price: £120 per seat Bespoke Training Topics Every Workplace Skills Accelerator programme is built around your team’s specific needs. These are a flavour of what we regularly cover - if you don’t see what you need, we can build it. Copilot AI Fundamentals · Prompt Engineering · Copilot in PowerPoint · Copilot in Excel · Copilot in Word · Copilot in Teams & Outlook Excel Excel Foundations · Essential Formulas · Logic & Lookup Functions · Pivot Tables & Charts · Data Validation · Conditional Formatting Word Professional Documents · Formatting & Layout · Styles & Templates · Long Document Management · Collaboration Improvements · Image Tools PowerPoint Professional Presentations · Storytelling & Structure · Design Principles · Presenting Data Efficiently · Transitions & Animations · Audience Engagement Teams & Outlook Practical techniques to save time, reduce inbox overload, improve meeting management, file sharing and collaboration, and increase team efficiency. The Workplace Learning Hub Both of the options above include 12 months’ access to the Workplace Learning Hub - a single place for your employees to keep learning, get expert support, and stay current with Microsoft 365 and AI long after the training itself has ended. As employees engage with live sessions, skill boosters and resources, the Hub grows into a knowledge base that benefits both existing staff and new starters - and every employee gets access to the same guidance and best practice, helping build consistent ways of working across your organisation. ✓ Full training courses for your chosen Microsoft app(s) ✓ Weekly live expert sessions with Gemma Coles ✓ Replay library — recordings of every live session ✓ Bite-sized skill boosters for Microsoft 365 and AI ✓ Practical resources, guides and prompt packs ✓ Microsoft shortcut guides ✓ Microsoft and AI update briefings ✓ Community support AI Strategy & Transformation Fully bespoke senior consultancy - scoped and priced individually. Most organisations are investing in AI - but without a clear strategy, governance framework or commercial focus, adoption stalls and value is never fully realised. This engagement answers the two questions every leadership team is asking: where do we start, and where is our return? Covers: AI readiness assessment, executive strategy workshop, opportunity and use case mapping, productivity and workflow review, AI adoption roadmap, data and knowledge recommendations, governance framework, leadership coaching, implementation guidance, and ongoing strategic advisory support. Between us, we bring together over 50 successful AI-led business transformations and handson senior expertise across strategy, implementation and workforce adoption. Unlike consultancies that hand over a roadmap and walk away, we stay involved from executive strategy through to the moment your teams are confidently using AI day to day. Ideal for: leadership teams who need a clear AI strategy, governance and a measurable path to adoption — not just a slide deck. Scoped and priced individually. Ready to Talk? Every team is different. Whether you’re looking to build confidence across your team, invest in bespoke live training, or develop a structured approach to AI adoption - get in touch and we’ll help you identify the right option for your organisation, your team and your budget. No obligation, no hard sell. Contact Gemma to request our interactive investment calculator, so you can explore typical costs based on your team size and training needs. Purchasing by invoice is available for all corporate orders. Contact me to discuss your team's needs - gemma@smartskillsacademy.net Contact Gemma

Meet Gemma Coles — Microsoft-certified trainer, published AI author, and founder of Smart Skills Academy. With 10+ years' experience training the NHS and UK Government, Gemma makes complex skills simple. Hello and Welcome! Welcome! As someone who loves training and values connection, I want you to feel at ease with me as your trainer. I'm here to support you every step of the way on this exciting journey. This is your opportunity to get to know me, and I can't wait to share this experience with you! A little about me.... With over a decade of experience training organisations including the NHS and UK Government, a published book on AI, and Microsoft certifications to back it up, I've built my reputation on making complex skills genuinely simple. But behind the credentials? A self-confessed nerd with a background in sales, an analytical mind, and a love affair with Microsoft Excel that was probably inevitable. Me on a personal level? I'm an easy-going, vibrant individual who believes that life is all about living — so you won't catch me recording concerts through my camera. With a passion for travel, I'm drawn to sandy beaches and envision a future as a digital nomad. Over the past few years, I’ve embraced a healthier lifestyle by cooking from scratch, choosing local and organic foods, and committing to my workouts — because I revel in that post-exercise satisfaction. I want my life to have a sense of adventure whether that be building my first website or horse riding in Egypt, relocating my family abroad or snowboarding in Switzerland, learning a new skill or scuba diving in Malaysia! To view Gemma's Microsoft credentials click here to be taken to the official verification site. Contact Have a burning question or just want to say hi? Don’t be shy - drop me a line at the email below or via the 'Get in Touch' page! gemma@smartskillsacademy.net

Unlock your potential with Smart Skills Academy! Learn Microsoft Office the easy way with expert-led video tutorials on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Whether you're a beginner or looking to master advanced skills, our simple, step-by-step lessons boost confidence and productivity. Join Smart Skills Academy today and take your Office skills to the next level! Get in Touch I'm here to help you on your training journey, if you have any questions or need assistance, please feel to reach out to me directly. I firmly believe the only silly question is the one you don't ask - so don't be nervous, just email or fill in the form below. Let's Chat Email gemma@smartskillsacademy.net First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Unlock your potential with Smart Skills Academy! Learn Microsoft Office the easy way with expert-led video tutorials on Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Whether you're a beginner or looking to master advanced skills, our simple, step-by-step lessons boost confidence and productivity. Join Smart Skills Academy today and take your Office skills to the next level! Microsoft PowerPoint Associate "Gemma uses visuals and hands-on tasks so you can actually practice what you're learning in real time, which I loved. The modules are broken up in a way that won't overwhelm beginners, but experienced users can follow right along too." — Antonio Teacher If PowerPoint makes you dread the moment someone asks you to "put together a few slides" - spending hours on a presentation that still doesn't look professional, clicking through menus you don't understand, or delivering something you're not proud of — this course is for you. PowerPoint is the world's most used presentation tool, and the ability to communicate ideas visually is one of the most valuable skills you can have in any workplace. Yet most people are either avoiding it entirely or muddling through without ever learning to use it properly. This course changes that. Not with complicated design theory, but with 60 short, focused video tutorials that show you exactly what to do, step by step, in real time. Every lesson comes with a downloadable practice document and a walkthrough instruction sheet — so you're always building real skills, not just watching someone else work. By the time you finish, you won't just be able to use PowerPoint. You'll be the person who creates presentations that actually impress. What's included: 60 step-by-step screen share video tutorials 60 downloadable practice documents — yours to keep 60 walkthrough instruction sheets for every lesson 8.5 hours of content covering everything from slide design and layouts to animations, transitions, charts, and collaboration tools Lifetime access — learn at your pace, revisit anything, any time A certificate of completion to add to your CV or LinkedIn profile View the syllabus Buy Now For £120 More Questions? PowerPoint Associate - The Outcomes After this course, you will: Stop dreading the words "can you make a presentation on that?" Build polished, professional slides from scratch with confidence Use layouts, themes, and design tools that make your slides look intentional rather than thrown together Add images, charts, and multimedia without the usual frustration Create animations and transitions that enhance your message rather than distract from it Present ideas clearly and confidently — whether to a colleague, a client, or a room full of people Feel genuinely proud of every presentation you produce This course is ideal for anyone who regularly presents at work, pitches ideas to clients, creates training materials, or simply wants to stop feeling embarrassed every time slides are mentioned. Preview the course; View sample documents here... Walkthrough Document PowerPoint Presentation Tutorial Video Lab Preview a detailed step-by-step PowerPoint tutorial showing how to Format text in multiple columns. Liked the Preview? Start the full course now! 43% Presentations with visual aids are 43% more persuasive than those without Think Twice Inc. 35 million PowerPoint is used to create over 35 million presentations every single day worldwide. Poesius 91% of presenters feel more confident delivering a presentation when they are well prepared and familiar with their tools. MarketBiz.com Why PowerPoint skills matter

Bespoke Microsoft training, data management, sales analysis and Excel consultancy from Gemma Coles. Trusted by the NHS, UK Government and pharmaceutical organisations. Get in touch. Gemma also offers Consultancy Services Gemma is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through her consultancy services. With a passion for helping others, she offers a diverse range of tailored solutions designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Whether you are looking for strategic guidance or practical support, Gemma is here to help you thrive. Let her expertise guide you towards success! Training & Coaching Microsoft is a powerful business suite, and Gemma is here to help you master it with tailored training and coaching. Whether you're an individual looking for 1:1 support or a business seeking group training, Gemma will create bespoke sessions designed to match your exact needs. From beginners to advanced users, training is practical, hands-on, and focused on building confidence and skills that you can apply immediately in your work. from £300 per session Data Management Effective data management is key to making informed business decisions. Using my advanced Excel expertise, I can help clean, organize, and refine data from CRM systems and other sources, ensuring accuracy and consistency. By removing duplicates, correcting errors, and structuring data effectively, I will transform raw information into a reliable, easy-to-use format that supports smarter analysis and better business insights. Analysis & Insights Turning raw data into valuable insights is key to making informed business decisions. Whether you need a one-off sales analysis report for presentations, funding discussions, or strategy sessions, or ongoing market analysis, Gemma can provide clear, data-driven reports tailored to your needs. Using Excel and PowerPoint, Gemma will transform your data into meaningful insights that help drive strategy and growth. Sales Strategy and Segmentation A strong sales strategy starts with understanding your data. Using advanced Excel skills, Gemma can analyse your sales, product, and market data to uncover key trends, identify customer segments, and highlight opportunities for growth. Through detailed sales segmentation, she can break down your customer base by demographics, buying behaviour, and profitability, helping you tailor marketing efforts, optimise pricing, and improve customer engagement. Whether it’s targeting the right audience, refining your product mix, or identifying underperforming areas, Gemma provides clear, data-driven insights to shape a smarter, more effective and efficient business strategy. Bespoke Template Creation "Gemma will create a custom Excel tool designed specifically for your business needs. Whether you’re looking to streamline sales planning, production, or logistics, the result will be a more efficient and simplified process tailored to your operations. Cost of Goods Analysis Gemma will build a strong and reliable pricing database that accurately calculates costs per unit, gram, or widget—factoring in all fixed, variable, direct, and indirect costs. Using my advanced Excel expertise, I’ll create a dynamic pricing tool that effortlessly adjusts to different scenarios, helping your business make informed decisions with ease. Testimonials "Gemma has has completed several projects for my department in the last month relating to data cleansing and master data. Her work has been exceptional, going above and beyond, treating these projects as if they were her own. She has suggested ways to improve data accuracy and provided outcomes that have meant we have the cleanest data sets ever in the organisation. As she completed the work, where there were questions over the validity of origin of records, she sought clarification be coming up with suggestions and action for our internal teams moving forwards. We would utilise Gemma as our first port of call whenever looking for excel, modelling, forecasting or master data projects. Her tenacity and responsiveness is second to none." Name: Tim A Working with us Smart Skills Academy is committed to operating as a responsible, ethical business. Our full governance documentation is available below: Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Policy Anti-Racism Policy Our Commitment to Carbon Reduction Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Refund Policy.

Test your Microsoft Word knowledge with multiple choice questions and practical timed tests aligned to the official Microsoft Word syllabus. Just £25 from Smart Skills Academy. Microsoft Word Tests This course includes a multiple choice workbook with 55 questions that will test your knowledge against the Microsoft Word Syllabus, a unique feature of this test is that there are hundreds of preloaded questions that will be selected at random meaning unlimited question combinations for you to work through. There are also 2 x 50 minute practical test that mimics the official Microsoft Word exam. View the syllabus A sample of the multiple choice test. Buy Now For £25 More Questions?

Master Microsoft Word with 55 step-by-step video tutorials, 55 practice documents and 6.5 hours of content. Practical training from a Microsoft-certified trainer. Certificate included. Microsoft Word Associate "Gemma makes learning enjoyable and straightforward. She’s highly knowledgeable, yet explains things in a way that’s clear, simple, and engaging. Her interactive style keeps all the sessions fun and memorable. Smart Skills Academy has been a fantastic experience all round!" — Xinqi, System & Process Improvement and implementation If Word makes you feel like you're constantly guessing — fiddling with formatting that won't behave, creating documents that never quite look professional, or avoiding features you know exist but have never figured out — this course is for you. Microsoft Word is the most widely used document creation tool in the world, and yet most people are only scratching the surface of what it can do. This course changes that. Not with dense manuals or overwhelming theory, but with 55 short, focused video tutorials that show you exactly what to do, step by step, in real time. Every single lesson comes with a downloadable practice document and a walkthrough instruction sheet — so you're always doing, not just watching. By the time you finish, you won't just be able to use Word. You'll be the person who actually knows how to use it properly. What's included: 55 step-by-step screen share video tutorials 55 downloadable practice documents — yours to keep 55 walkthrough instruction sheets for every lesson 6.5 hours of content covering everything from formatting and layout to tables, images, styles, and collaboration tools Lifetime access — learn at your pace, revisit anything, any time A certificate of completion to add to your CV or LinkedIn profile View the syllabus Buy Now For £120 More Questions? Word Associate - The Outcomes After this course, you will: Stop wrestling with formatting that refuses to do what you want Create clean, professional documents from scratch with confidence Use styles, templates, and layout tools that save you hours of manual tweaking Handle tables, images, and columns without the usual frustration Produce reports, letters, and documents that look like they were designed rather than just typed Feel genuinely confident opening Word for any task, however unfamiliar it looks This course is ideal for anyone who regularly creates documents at work or at home and wants to stop second-guessing every step. Whether you're returning to work, starting a new role, running your own business, or simply tired of producing documents that never look quite right — this is where that changes. Preview the course; View sample documents here... Walkthrough Document Word Workbook Tutorial Video Lab Preview a detailed step-by-step Word tutorial showing how to Insert and configure a total rows on a table. Liked the Preview? Start the full course now! 40% of a professionals working week is spent creating or editing documents McKinsey Global Institute 1.2 Billion people worldwide use Microsoft Word each year! Techbloat 80% of job postings requiring Microsoft Office skills specifically mention Word proficiency Burning Glass / Harvard Business Scgool Why Word Skills Matter

Master Microsoft Excel with 101 step-by-step video tutorials, 101 practice documents and 12 hours of content. Practical training from a Microsoft-certified trainer. Certificate included. Microsoft Excel Associate "If you need to master Excel, you absolutely must talk to Gemma. I was heading into a new job where Excel for reporting was non-negotiable. I felt nervous, but Gemma made the whole experience wonderfully easy and fun. I now feel totally confident using Excel in my new role, and I can't thank her enough!" — Hannah, Business Development Manager If Excel makes you anxious, slows you down, or leaves you quietly Googling how to do things you feel you should already know — this course is for you. Microsoft Excel is the most in-demand workplace skill in the UK, and yet most people are using a fraction of what it can do. This course changes that. Not with dry theory or overwhelming technical manuals, but with 101 short, focused video tutorials that show you exactly what to do, step by step, in real time. Every single lesson comes with a downloadable practice document and a walkthrough instruction sheet — so you're never just watching, you're doing. By the time you finish, you won't just understand Excel. You'll be the person in the room who actually knows how to use it. What's included: 101 step-by-step screen share video tutorials 101 downloadable practice documents — yours to keep 101 walkthrough instruction sheets for every lesson 12 hours of content covering everything from essential formulas to charts, formatting, and real-world data tasks Lifetime access — learn at your pace, revisit anything, any time A certificate of completion to add to your CV or LinkedIn profile View the syllabus Buy Now For £150 More Questions? Are these skills important? Excel Associate - The Outcomes After this course, you will: Stop second-guessing yourself every time someone sends you a spreadsheet Build and format Excel files from scratch with confidence Use formulas and functions that actually save you time — without needing to memorise them Produce professional charts and reports that look like you know exactly what you're doing Feel genuinely confident using Excel in front of colleagues, in job interviews, and in your day-to-day role Have a Microsoft-aligned certificate that proves your skill level to employers This course is ideal for anyone returning to work, moving into an admin or support role, freelancers managing their own data, or any professional who's tired of feeling behind every time Excel comes up. Preview the Course: View sample documents here... Walkthrough Document Excel Workbook Tutorial Video Lab Preview a detailed step-by-step Excel tutorial showing how to Insert and configure a total rows on a table. Liked the Preview? Start the full course now! 48% of UK office workers have never received any formal Microsoft Excel training Acuity Ttaining 2/3 of all office workers use Excel at least once per hour Acuity Ttaining 750M people worldwide, use Microsoft Excel, which makes it the most widely used data tool on the planet. Microsoft 82% of middle-skill jobs and 65% of high-skill jobs has Microsoft Excel listed as a required skill. National Skills Coalition 12-20% Employees with advanced Excel skills earn on average 12–20% more than those without. Burning Glass / Harvard Business Scgool Why Excel skills matter

Self-paced Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and AI courses from a Microsoft-certified trainer. Step-by-step videos, practice documents, certificates included. For individuals and teams. Courses Learning a new skill is like embarking on a friendly adventure - take that first step with a smile, and watch your talents blossom... ...I'll be here to hold your hand every step of the way 72% of employers are unwilling to interview candidates who lack basic IT skills. House of Commons Science & Technology Committee 1/2 of UK office workers admit to being unable to fully understand how ot use Microsoft tools. STL Skills Survey 69% of UK leaders believe their organisation is facing a digital skills gap. Microsoft and Goldsmiths, University of London 1/3 of employees believe their lack of IT skills prevent them from doing their job effectively. STL Skills Survey 59% of UK labour force cannot perform all 20 'Essential Digital Skills'. The Essential Digital Skills Framework, commissioned by LLoyds Banking Group, 2023. Why these skills are so important Click on the image below to take the Quiz Not Sure What is right for you? The Smart Skills Audit is a short self-assessment designed to help you reflect on how you currently use Excel, Word, PowerPoint and AI in your everyday work. By scoring each statement from 1–5, you will identify your current skill level and discover the most helpful next step - whether that is building stronger foundations, improving your workflow, or learning how to integrate AI to work more efficiently. Pricing Shortcuts - FREE Tests - £25 Associate Courses - £120-£150 4 x Associate Courses - £399 Interested in upskilling your team? Head to the ' Training for Teams' section to see more information on corporate licences. Quick Links Excel Excel Tests Excel Shortcuts Word Word Tests Word Shortcuts Powerpoint PowerPoint Tests PowerPoint Shortcuts AI Essentials More Questions? Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions. Looking for Coaching? Gemma does offer 1:2:1 training, group coaching and bespoke training sessions. Click here for more info. Certificate of Achievement Once you have completed your course you have the opportunity to sit a multiple choice exam. If you gain the required 70% pass rate you will be sent a certificate of accomplishment! What People Say.... Business Owner Testimonial I consider myself fairly knowledgeable with both Microsoft Office and AI, but after completing the "AI Essentials" course, I feel a lot more confident letting AI do the heavy lifting. Copilot as an assistant is a game changer. Tasks that used to take hours now take minutes. Gemma uses visuals and hands-on tasks so you can actually practice what you're learning and apply it in real time, which I loved. The modules are broken up in a way that won't overwhelm beginners, but experienced users can follow right along too. If you're looking for the basics of using AI with Microsoft Office, or you want to expand your knowledge and truly enhance how you work, this course is for you! Antonio Teacher Testimonial I was confident with the basics but understand there is always more we can learn. I have been truly amazed by the extra tips and skills I have learned since starting courses with Smart Skills Academy. Gemma’s teaching style is direct and fun, I’ve genuinely enjoyed the sessions and the fact they fit into my busy lifestyle! I can’t wait to start the AI course and would recommend Smart Skills Academy to anyone trying to brush up on their current skill set or learn something completely new! Janet Business Owner Testimonial If you need to master Excel, you absolutely must talk to Gemma! I was heading into a new job where being able to use Excel for reporting and analysis was non-negotiable, it was essential. I felt nervous, but Gemma made the whole experience so wonderfully easy and fun. She is truly a natural teacher. Gemma has this fantastic way of creating a super positive learning environment where you feel completely comfortable. Her patience is incredible, and she's so genuinely supportive. I never once felt silly asking a question. Plus, she's just extremely knowledgeable! Thanks to Gemma, I not only learned what I needed but I also genuinely enjoyed the process. I now feel totally confident using Excel in my new role, and I can't thank her enough! Hannah Business Development Manager AI Essentials Lear how to use AI on the internet, in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. More Info