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
1/2
of UK office workers admit to being unable to fully understand how to use Microsoft tools
69%
of UK leaders believe their organisation is facing a digital skills gap.
1/3
of employees believe their lack of IT skills prevent them from doing their job effectively.
72%
of employers are unwilling to interview candidates who lack basic IT skills
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.
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