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Word Shortcuts — 40 essential Microsoft Word keyboard shortcuts with step-by-step instructions, a quick reference guide, and a free video tutorial. Download free from Smart Skills Academy. Word Shortcuts This guide is all about working smarter, not harder. Inside, you’ll find 40 essential Word shortcuts designed to help you save time, boost productivity, and feel in control of your documents—whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to polish up your skills. Each shortcut has been carefully selected to make your day-to-day Word tasks quicker and simpler. You’ll find: A clear explanation of each shortcut Step-by-step instructions Practical tips on when and why to use them You will be provided with; A Word document as a quick reference guide A video tutorial walking you through each shortcut in real time The Word document I use throughout the walkthroughs. Let’s take the stress out of documents and help you feel smart, capable, and in control. This resource is FREE £0 Download Now More Questions? Return to Course Options

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! Ready to learn new skills at your own pace? Many of us didn’t grow up with technology at our fingertips. That can make today’s digital world feel overwhelming, frustrating, and at times even excluding. Tasks that seem simple to others - editing a document, sharing a file, or joining a video call - can leave you feeling uncertain or left behind. But it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right support, learning Microsoft Office tools can be clear, friendly, and stress-free. It’s about taking away the confusion, breaking things down into simple steps, and giving you the confidence to use these tools comfortably in your everyday life. At Smart Skills Academy, we’ll guide you through the essentials of Microsoft Office in a way that makes sense - at your pace, without jargon. Whether you want to stay connected with friends and family, manage personal projects, or continue thriving in the workplace, you’ll gain practical skills that make technology work for you, not against you. We will be here to hold your hand, while your confidence grows, every step of the way 26% of Microsoft users are aged 65 and over SQ Magazine 7.2 million people aged 70-79 are online. Lloyds Bank 37% of people in the UK aged 65+ lack Foundation Essential Digital Skills Good Things Foundation 3/4 of those aged 60+ cite keeping their mind sharp as the reason for learning a new skill Readly 80% of people aged 65+ in the UK use the internet every month Age UK Why these skills are so important Why Microsoft Office Skills Matter Word without the overwhelm Many people find Word overwhelming when all they want to do is create a simple letter or document. The endless menus, formatting options, and hidden features can make even the most straightforward task feel complicated, leaving you unsure if you're doing it right. At Smart Skills Academy, I break Word down into simple, bite-sized steps — starting with exactly what you need and nothing you don't. By the end, creating, editing, and formatting a document will feel as natural as writing by hand. Excel without the confusion Excel is another common frustration. Whether it's adding up numbers, creating a simple table, or understanding formulas, it can seem like a tool built for experts rather than everyday use. Without clear guidance, it's easy to feel stuck or avoid it altogether — even when it could make your life so much easier. My Excel course starts from the very beginning, with no assumptions about what you already know. Every formula, every function, every feature is explained in plain English with a practice document to work through alongside the video — so nothing gets left behind. Taking the puzzle out of PowerPoint PowerPoint can feel daunting, especially if you've never had to create slides before. Choosing layouts, adding images, and making everything look professional can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces — and instead of sharing your ideas, you end up stressed before you've even started. Smart Skills Academy shows you exactly how to build a presentation from scratch, step by step, so you can focus on what you want to say rather than how to make it look right. AI without the anxiety Artificial intelligence is everywhere in the news, and it can feel like yet another thing to worry about keeping up with. Terms like "machine learning," "large language models," and "generative AI" can make it sound impossibly technical — and if you've only just got comfortable with Word and Excel, the idea of adding AI on top can feel like a step too far. But here's the truth: AI tools like Microsoft Copilot are designed to make the things you already do in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint easier, not harder. Think of it as a helpful assistant that can draft a letter for you, summarise a document, or suggest how to lay out a spreadsheet — all in plain English, no technical knowledge required. My AI Essentials course shows you exactly how to use these tools simply and safely, at your own pace. If you can type a question, you can use AI. Time Saver Kit! To help you get started straight away, I've put together a set of free shortcut guides and quick videos for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Simple, practical tools you can keep on hand and dip into whenever you need them — no experience required. Microsoft Excel Shortcuts Video Microsoft Excel Shortcuts Quick Reference Guide Microsoft Word Shortcuts Video Microsoft Word Shortcuts Quick Reference Guide Microsoft PowerPoint Shortcuts Video Microsoft PowerPoint Shortcuts Quick Reference Guide 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

Join the Smart Skills Academy community on Skool — free access to Microsoft and AI training, live calls, practical resources, and a supportive group of professionals building their skills together. Time for Community I created this FREE space because I saw a gap between learning something once and actually feeling confident using it day to day. Courses are great, but without ongoing support, it is easy to forget, lose momentum, or feel stuck again. Skool felt like the perfect addition to bring everything together - a place where learning continues, questions are welcomed, and real progress happens alongside like-minded people. What's inside? Joining is free, and from day one you'll have access to: Focused Microsoft training across Excel, Word, and PowerPoint — practical, no-nonsense tutorials you can apply straight away AI training and real-world prompts you can start using immediately — no theory, just tools that work Live calls and screen-sharing walkthroughs with Gemma — so you can see exactly how things are done in real time Practical shortcuts and quick win s — the kind of time-saving tricks that make an immediate difference to your day The 7 Day AI Challenge — a free, low-pressure way to start building confidence with AI in just a few minutes a day A supportive community of 100+ members who are on the same journey — ask questions, share progress, and learn alongside people who get it Upskill & have fun! Join Skool Community Our 7 Day AI Challenge is designed for busy people who want to build confidence without sitting through long training sessions. In just a few minutes a day, you’ll experiment with simple, practical AI prompts and discover how easy it can be to use AI in everyday work. No jargon. No pressure. Just real progress. In this challenge you will: • Spend just 2–3 minutes per day trying one guided AI prompt • Learn practical ways AI can support your work • Build confidence through simple, hands-on experimentation • Be part of a supportive, encouraging community • Earn your place on the 7 Day Challenge Champions Wall If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start using AI, this is it. Click here to find out more

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

Privacy Policy for Smart Skills Academy — how we collect, use and protect your personal data in line with UK GDPR. Your data rights and how to contact us. Privacy Policy Last updated 4th June 2026 Privacy Policy - the basics This Privacy Policy describes Our policies and procedures on the collection, use, and disclosure of Your information when You use the Service and tells You about Your privacy rights and how the law protects You. We use Your Personal Data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, You agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Interpretation and Definitions The words in this statement that have an initial letter that is capitalised have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or in plural; Definitions For the purposes of this Privacy Policy: Account means a unique account created for You to access our Service or parts of our Service. Company (referred to as either "the Company," "We," "Us," or "Our" in this Agreement) refers to Smart Skills Academy. Cookies are small files that are placed on Your computer, mobile device, or any other device by a website, containing the details of Your browsing history on that website among its many uses. Country refers to: United Kingdom Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone, or a digital tablet. Personal Data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. Service refers to the Website. Service Provider means any natural or legal person who processes the data on behalf of the Company. It refers to third-party companies or individuals employed by the Company to facilitate the Service, to provide the Service on behalf of the Company, to perform services related to the Service, or to assist the Company in analysing how the Service is used. Usage Data refers to data collected automatically, either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself (for example, the duration of a page visit). Website refers to Smart Skills Academy, accessible from www.smartskillsacademy.net . You means the individual accessing or using the Service, or the company, or other legal entity on behalf of which such individual is accessing or using the Service, as applicable. Collecting and Using Your Personal Data Personal Data While using Our Service, We may ask You to provide Us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify You. Personally identifiable information may include, but is not limited to: Email address First name and last name Usage Data Usage Data Usage Data is collected automatically when using the Service. Usage Data may include information such as Your Device’s Internet Protocol address (e.g., IP address), browser type, browser version, the pages of our Service that You visit, the time and date of Your visit, the time spent on those pages, unique device identifiers, and other diagnostic data. When You access the Service by or through a mobile device, We may collect certain information automatically, including, but not limited to, the type of mobile device You use, Your mobile device unique ID, the IP address of Your mobile device, Your mobile operating system, the type of mobile Internet browser You use, unique device identifiers, and other diagnostic data. We may also collect information that Your browser sends whenever You visit our Service or when You access the Service by or through a mobile device. Tracking Technologies and Cookies We use Cookies and similar tracking technologies to track the activity on Our Service and store certain information. Tracking technologies used include beacons, tags, and scripts to collect and track information and to improve and analyze Our Service. For more information about the cookies we use and your choices regarding cookies, please visit our Cookies Policy or the Cookies section of our Privacy Policy. Use of Your Personal Data The Company may use Personal Data for the following purposes: To provide and maintain our Service, including to monitor the usage of our Service. To manage Your Account: to manage Your registration as a user of the Service. To contact You: To contact You by email, telephone calls, SMS, or other equivalent forms of electronic communication regarding updates or informative communications related to the Service. To provide You with news, special offers, and general information about services and content related to Smart Skills Academy unless You have opted not to receive such information. To manage Your requests: To attend and manage Your requests to Us. For business transfers: We may use Your information in the event of a merger, divestiture, restructuring, reorganization, dissolution, or other sale or transfer of some or all of Our assets. For other purposes: We may use Your information for data analysis, identifying usage trends, determining the effectiveness of promotional campaigns, and improving our Service. Retention of Your Personal Data The Company will retain Your Personal Data only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use Your Personal Data to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations (for example, if we are required to retain your data to comply with applicable laws), resolve disputes, and enforce our legal agreements and policies. Specific retention periods are: Account and profile information: Retained as long as the account is active. Usage data: Retained for analytical purposes, typically for a period of 24 months. Marketing data: Retained until You opt out. Transfer of Your Personal Data Your information, including Personal Data, is processed at the Company’s operating offices and in any other places where the parties involved in the processing are located. It means that this information may be transferred to — and maintained on — computers located outside of Your state, province, country or other governmental jurisdiction where the data protection laws may differ than those from Your jurisdiction.Your consent to this Privacy Policy followed by Your submission of such information represents Your agreement to that transfer.The Company will take all steps reasonably necessary to ensure that Your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and no transfer of Your Personal Data will take place to an organization or a country unless there are adequate controls in place including the security of Your data and other personal information. Legal Basis for Processing Personal Data (GDPR Compliance) We process your Personal Data under the following legal bases: Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your personal data for a specific purpose. Contractual necessity: Processing is necessary for the performance of a contract with You or to take steps at Your request before entering into a contract. Legal obligation: Processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject. Legitimate interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests or those of a third party, provided those interests do not override Your rights and freedoms. Your Rights Under GDPR You have the following rights under GDPR: Right to access – You can request a copy of the Personal Data we hold about You. Right to rectification – You can request that inaccurate or incomplete data be corrected. Right to erasure – You can request that we delete your Personal Data under certain conditions. Right to restrict processing – You can request that we limit the way we use Your data. Right to data portability – You can request that we transfer Your data to another organisation or directly to You. Right to object – You can object to the processing of Your Personal Data for certain purposes. To exercise these rights, please contact Us here. Disclosure of Your Personal Data Disclosure of Your Personal Data If the Company is involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, Your Personal Data may be transferred. We will provide notice before Your Personal Data is transferred and becomes subject to a different Privacy Policy. Law Enforcement Under certain circumstances, the Company may be required to disclose Your Personal Data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g. a court or a government agency). Other legal requirements The Company may disclose Your Personal Data in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to: Comply with a legal obligation Protect and defend the rights or property of the Company Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing in connection with the Service Protect the personal safety of Users of the Service or the public Protect against legal liability Security of Your Personal Data The security of Your Personal Data is important to Us, but remember that no method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. While We strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect Your Personal Data, We cannot guarantee its absolute security. Children’s Privacy Our Service is designed for learners of all ages. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you are under 13, please ensure a parent or guardian has reviewed and agreed to this policy before using the Service. If you are a parent or guardian and have any concerns about your child's use of the Service, please contact us. Links to Other Websites Our Service may contain links to other websites that are not operated by Us. If You click on a third party link, You will be directed to that third party’s site. We strongly advise You to review the Privacy Policy of every site You visit. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of any third party sites or services Changes to this Privacy Policy We may update Our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify You of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. We will let You know via email and/or a prominent notice on Our Service, prior to the change becoming effective and update the “Last updated” date at the top of this Privacy Policy. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page. Data Breach Notification In the event of a data breach, We will notify affected users and relevant authorities as required by applicable law. Contact Us If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, You can contact Gemma directly here . Gemma Coles is the Data Controller. gemma@smartskillsacademy.net

PowerPoint Shortcuts — 40 essential Microsoft PowerPoint keyboard shortcuts with step-by-step instructions, a quick reference guide, and a free video tutorial. Download free from Smart Skills Academy. PowerPoint Shortcuts This guide is all about working smarter, not harder. Inside, you’ll find 40 essential PowerPoint shortcuts designed to help you save time, boost productivity, and feel in control of your presentations - whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to polish up your skills. Each shortcut has been carefully selected to make your day-to-day PowerPoint tasks quicker and simpler. You’ll find: A clear explanation of each shortcut Step-by-step instructions Practical tips on when and why to use them You will be provided with; A Word document as a quick reference guide A video tutorial walking you through each shortcut in real time The Powerpoint document I use throughout the walkthroughs. Let’s take the stress out of presentations and help you feel smart, capable, and in control. This resource is FREE £0 Download Now More Questions? Return to Course Options

Practical Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and AI training for digital nomads. Self-paced, certificate-included courses to keep your skills sharp wherever you work. Is it time to sharpen your digital edge? Whether you’re working from a café in Lisbon, a co-working hub in Bali, or your own kitchen table, remote life brings freedom — but also unique challenges. Managing projects across time zones, keeping clients updated, and juggling deadlines can quickly become overwhelming if you don’t have the right tools at your fingertips. For many digital nomads, the real struggle isn’t finding work — it’s staying productive, communicating professionally, and standing out in a crowded global marketplace. Without confidence in core Microsoft skills like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, even simple tasks can take longer than they should, leaving less time for the lifestyle you set out to enjoy. At Smart Skills Academy, we make mastering these tools simple, friendly, and stress-free. Our step-by-step approach is designed to save you hours of wasted effort, give you confidence in your client communication, and help you keep your skills sharp so you stay competitive wherever you choose to work from. With the right skills, you’ll spend less time wrestling with spreadsheets and more time enjoying the freedom that comes with being your own boss. 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 admin workers admit to being unable to fully understand how to use Microsoft tools STL Skills Survey 70% of European business owners report lack of digital skills is a barrier to investment. Job Market Monitor 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 Struggling with Productivity and Efficiency? Many digital nomads work across time zones and juggle multiple projects at once. Without strong Microsoft skills, everyday tasks like managing spreadsheets, creating reports, or preparing client presentations can eat up valuable hours. How Smart Skills Academy helps: Smart Skills Academy equips nomads with practical, easy-to-apply training in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint that focuses on efficiency. From quick formulas that save hours of manual work to templates for professional presentations, the academy provides streamlined skills that help nomads spend less time on admin and more time building their businesses or enjoying the freedom that comes with remote work. Difficulty Communicating Professionally? Remote work relies heavily on clear communication and presentation of ideas. A lack of confidence in tools like PowerPoint or Word can make it harder for nomads to deliver polished reports, proposals, or pitches, which in turn can limit client trust and opportunities. How Smart Skills Academy helps: Through simple, structured tutorials, Smart Skills Academy shows nomads how to create professional documents and presentations with ease. The focus is on building confidence to present ideas clearly and persuasively, whether on a Zoom call with a client or sending a project update by email. This helps digital nomads stand out and build stronger professional reputations while working from anywhere. Keeping Skills Relevant in a Competitive Market. The remote job market is global and competitive. Many nomads worry about being replaced or overlooked if they lack strong digital skills. Microsoft Office is still one of the most requested skillsets in remote job ads, yet many workers underestimate its importance. How Smart Skills Academy helps: Smart Skills Academy offers up-to-date, bite-sized lessons designed to keep skills sharp and relevant. By mastering the most in-demand Microsoft tools, nomads position themselves as versatile, reliable professionals who can adapt to any role. This not only helps them win projects but also future-proofs their careers in an evolving digital landscape. AI skills that work wherever you do. The remote work market is evolving fast, and AI is no longer a nice-to-have — it's becoming an expectation. For digital nomads juggling multiple clients, deadlines, and time zones, the pressure to stay current can feel relentless. If you're not sure how to use AI tools effectively, it can feel like everyone else has found a shortcut you haven't. The good news is that Microsoft Copilot and AI tools are built directly into the Office applications you already use. With the right training, you can use AI to draft client proposals in minutes, summarise long documents instantly, analyse data without complex formulas, and create polished presentations in a fraction of the time. How Smart Skills Academy helps: My AI Essentials course shows you exactly how to use AI practically inside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — with no jargon, no overwhelm, and no assumption that you're already a tech expert. For a digital nomad, the time savings alone make it one of the highest-value skills you can add to your toolkit right now. Digital Nomad Time Saver Kit! Working on the move means you need to get things done quickly and efficiently. To help, I’ve put together a set of free shortcut guides and quick videos for Word, Excel and PowerPoint. These are simple, practical tools you can keep on hand wherever you’re working – whether that’s a café, co-working hub or airport lounge. Microsoft Excel Shortcuts Video Microsoft Excel Shortcuts Quick Reference Guide Microsoft Word Shortcuts Video Microsoft Word Shortcuts Quick Reference Guide Microsoft PowerPoint Shortcuts Video Microsoft PowerPoint Shortcuts Quick Reference Guide 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

Microsoft Office and AI training for Virtual Assistants, freelancers and consultants. Save time, work smarter, and deliver polished, client-ready results with Smart Skills Academy. Virtual Assistant? Freelancer? Consultant? Smart Skills Academy helps busy professionals like Virtual Assistants, freelancers, and consultants save time and reduce stress by simplifying the tools they use every day. Many lose hours trying to format spreadsheets, polish reports, or design presentations, which can feel overwhelming and slow down their workflow. With clear, practical training, the Academy turns these frustrations into confidence. By mastering Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, professionals can handle repetitive tasks faster, create templates that work for them, and produce polished, client-ready documents without second-guessing. The result is more time to focus on high-value work and a stronger professional image. Instead of being held back by tech struggles, they can deliver smooth, efficient, and professional results that build trust with clients and support business growth. 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 Virtual Assistants often face the challenge of managing varied client demands, from updating spreadsheets to preparing reports and creating professional documents. We can provide VA's with the knowledge to handle these tasks efficiently, helping them deliver consistent, polished results that make their support invaluable and allow them to confidently take on more complex client work. Freelancers frequently balance creative delivery with the less exciting side of running their business, such as proposals, contracts, and invoices. We equip them with practical Office skills that streamline these processes, cutting down on time spent formatting or troubleshooting. With ready-to-use techniques and templates, freelancers can focus on what they do best while presenting themselves with professionalism that sets them apart in competitive markets. Consultants rely on their ability to communicate insights clearly, but presenting data and strategies can often feel like a barrier. We show consultants how to transform raw information into persuasive presentations, reports, and visuals that clients understand and trust. By removing the frustration of technical hurdles, consultants are free to concentrate on their expertise and strengthen the impact of their recommendations. AI skills that give you the competitive edge. If you're a VA, freelancer, or consultant, your clients are already asking about AI — and some are starting to expect it. Knowing how to use Microsoft Copilot to draft emails, summarise documents, build spreadsheets, and create presentations isn't just a nice extra anymore. It's becoming part of the service. The VAs and freelancers who get ahead in the next two years will be the ones who embraced AI early and made it part of how they work. My AI Essentials course shows you exactly how to use Copilot inside Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in a way that's practical, jargon-free, and immediately applicable to your client work. In just two hours you'll have skills you can start using the same day — and a certificate to show for it. For a self-employed professional, that's one of the highest-return investments of time you can make right now. 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

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 - £99-£149 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 Microsoft Excel Associate Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Excel with our beginner friendly course. More Info

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! Preparing the next Generation At Smart Skills Academy, we understand that every learning journey is unique — especially for home-educated teenagers. That’s why we’ve created a flexible, self-paced digital skills course designed to fit around your lifestyle, your schedule, and your goals. Whether you’re preparing for further education, future employment, or simply want to build confidence using Microsoft Office tools like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, our step-by-step video lessons and downloadable resources will help you master practical skills at your own pace — no prior experience needed. 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 55% of 17-24 year olds cannot perform all 20 'Essential Digital Skills'. The Essential Digital Skills Framework, commissioned by LLoyds Banking Group, 2023. 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 18% Only of 17-24 year olds feel confident in their digital abilities World Skills UK Why these skills are so important Why Microsoft Office Skills Matter for Today’s Youth Bridging the Digital Skills Gap Despite growing up in a digital world, many young people leave education without the practical skills employers actually need. Research shows that 55% of 17–24-year-olds in the UK cannot perform all 20 essential digital tasks required for work — and that gap starts earlier than most people realise. As a home educator, you have the advantage of being able to address this directly. Smart Skills Academy gives your child a structured, practical grounding in the Microsoft Office tools that appear in almost every workplace and university environment — skills that most of their peers simply won't have. Enhancing Academic and Career Prospects The tools your child masters today will follow them through further education and into their career. Microsoft Office proficiency is consistently ranked among the most in-demand skills across industries, and each application builds a different set of capabilities: Word develops the writing, editing, and formatting skills needed for assignments, reports, and professional documentation Excel builds analytical thinking and data confidence — increasingly valued at A-level, university, and beyond PowerPoint strengthens communication and presentation skills that will serve your child in interviews, university, and the workplace These aren't just digital skills — they're transferable life skills that complement everything else you're teaching at home. Addressing Employer Expectations When your child is ready to enter the workforce or apply for further education, employers and admissions teams will expect a working knowledge of Microsoft Office as standard. Yet 69% of UK business leaders report facing a digital skills gap within their organisations — meaning that young people who arrive genuinely proficient stand out immediately. Smart Skills Academy gives your child not just the skills but also a certificate of achievement to prove them — a tangible, credible addition to any CV, personal statement, or college application portfolio. AI skills that future-proof their education AI is already reshaping the way people study, work, and communicate — and home-educated learners have a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve. While most schools are still figuring out how to approach AI in the classroom, your child can be learning to use it practically and responsibly right now. Microsoft Copilot is built into the same Word, Excel, and PowerPoint tools used in universities and workplaces across the UK. Knowing how to use AI to research, draft, summarise, and present ideas isn't just a useful skill — it's increasingly an expected one at further education level and beyond. My AI Essentials course is designed for complete beginners and requires no technical background whatsoever. In just two hours, your child will go from curious to confident — with a certificate they can add to their personal portfolio and talk about in any interview or college application with pride. 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 fabulous way to showcase your skills on a CV, college application or personal portfolio. Microsoft Excel Associate Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Excel with our beginner friendly course. More Info

Smart Skills Academy refund policy — how we handle refund requests for digital courses, technical issues, and exceptional circumstances. Contact Gemma to discuss your situation. Refund Policy Last Updated 4th June 2026 Thank you for choosing Smart Skills Academy for your online tutoring needs. We strive to provide high-quality educational services, but we understand that there may be circumstances where a refund is required. This policy outlines our approach to refunds in accordance with UK consumer protection laws. By completing your purchase you confirm you have consented to immediate access to digital content and have waived your statutory 14-day cancellation right in accordance with the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. Want a refund on your course? Due to the nature of digital content, refunds for pre-recorded courses, downloadable materials, and other digital products are generally not provided once access has been granted. However, if you experience technical issues preventing access to the content, please contact us within 14 days of purchase, and we will work to resolve the issue or offer a refund if a resolution is not possible. Exceptional Circumstances We understand that unexpected circumstances may arise. Refund requests due to extenuating situations (e.g., medical emergencies) will be considered on a case-by-case basis at our discretion. Proof of circumstances may be required. Please contact Gemma directly here . How to request a refund To request a refund, please contact Gemma directly here . Please include your name, purchase details, and the reason for your request. Refunds, if approved, will be processed within 7-10 business days to the original payment method. Changes to this policy We reserve the right to modify this refund policy at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. For any questions or concerns regarding our refund policy, please contact us here. One final thought.... Please note: this policy has been drafted in good faith to reflect current UK consumer protection law. For specific legal advice regarding your rights or our obligations, we recommend consulting a qualified solicitor.

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