Digital Skills in Greater Manchester
In partnership with UCEN Manchester, we have put together a series of free, self-paced training courses for residents across Greater Manchester. The goal of this initiative is to enable residents across Greater Manchester to acquire basic digital skills, whilst also giving students a unique insight into the working world of IT and enabling them to gain industry-aligned IT certifications that are well regarded by employers.
How does it work?
We have created a series of courses covering cybersecurity, networking, and other important digital topics. Each course can be found below, including:
Estimated duration (since the courses are self-paced, this may vary)
Suggested audience
A brief description
Link to enrol
To enrol in any of the outlined courses, simply click on the link provided. You will then need to follow the steps to create an account, which should only take a couple of minutes. All courses are free, self-paced, and mobile-friendly.
At the end of each course, learners will be asked to complete an end of course exam (completed in their own time on their own device). If they score over 70%, they will receive a Digital Badge for that course to verify completion. This can be added to a LinkedIn profile, CV, or other relevant sites and can help boost employability prospects.
Introductory Courses
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Target audience: Everyone and anyone interested in learning the basics of cybersecurity
Overview: This introductory course takes you inside the world of cybersecurity. You will learn cybersecurity basics to protect your personal digital life and gain insights into the biggest security challenges companies, governments, and educational institutions face today. Cybersecurity professionals who can protect and defend an organisations network are in high demand.
Link: Access the course here
Introduction to Data Science
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Target audience: Everyone anyone interested in learning the basics of data science
Overview: This introductory course takes you inside the world of data science. You will learn the basics of data science, data analytics, and data engineering to understand how machine learning is shaping the future of business, healthcare, education, and more. Data science professionals who can provide actionable insights for data-driven decisions are in high demand all over the world.
Link: Access the course here
Cybersecurity
Introduction to Cybersecurity
Estimated duration: 6 hours
Target audience: Everyone and anyone interested in learning the basics of cybersecurity
Overview: This introductory course takes you inside the world of cybersecurity. You will learn cybersecurity basics to protect your personal digital life and gain insights into the biggest security challenges companies, governments, and educational institutions face today. Cybersecurity professionals who can protect and defend an organisations network are in high demand.
Link: Access the course here
Networking Basics
Estimated duration: 22 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in progressing their cybersecurity knowledge further
Overview: The internet is built on computer networks. So no matter what kind of tech career you are interested in, it is essential to know some networking basics! Whether you are preparing for a career in networking, refreshing your knowledge for an industry-recognised certification, or are just curious about what networking is all about, this is the place for you.
This course covers the foundation of networking and network devices, media, and protocols. You will observe data flowing through a network and configure devices to connect to networks. Finally, you will learn how to use different network applications and protocols to accomplish networking tasks. The knowledge and skills you gain can give you a starting point to find a rewarding career in tech.
Link: Access the course here
Networking Devices & Initial Configuration
Estimated duration: 22 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in progressing their cybersecurity knowledge further
Overview: If you know the basics of networking, then get ready to strengthen your foundation. A strong networking background is key if you are interested in exciting fields such as Cybersecurity and Network Development (DevNet) or want to continue towards a networking certification like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
This course covers the essentials of network devices and how to configure them. Learn the characteristics and benefits of Cloud and Virtualisation technologies. Explore how to provide Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to devices both manually and automatically. Using this knowledge, you will calculate an IP addressing scheme, configure Cisco devices to create a small network, and test for connectivity issues.
Link: Access the course here
Endpoint Security
Estimated duration: 27 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in progressing their cybersecurity knowledge further
Overview: Gain the foundational knowledge you will use in the workplace as a Cybersecurity Technician. Each day billions of devices are connected to the network, and each one needs to be protected. Build the skills to secure your network all the way to the edge, including hardware, software, and media.
In this course, you will learn how to assess the network, operating systems, and endpoints for vulnerabilities, and how to secure the network. You will also gain skills to maintain the integrity, confidentiality, and availability in your network and your data.
Link: Access the course here
Network Defense
Estimated duration: 27 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in progressing their cybersecurity knowledge further
Overview: Gain the essential knowledge you will use in the workplace as a Cybersecurity Technician. This course covers ways to monitor your network and how to evaluate security alerts. Delve into the tools and techniques used to protect a network, including access control, firewalls, cloud security, and cryptography. These monitoring and defence tools, along with others, work together to create a layered defence-in-depth cybersecurity strategy. The knowledge and skills that you learn will help you defend networks against many types of attacks and quickly react to any exploits that may occur.
Link: Access the course here
Cyber Threat Management
Estimated duration: 16 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in progressing their cybersecurity knowledge further
Overview: Develop advanced knowledge that you will use in the workplace as a Cybersecurity Technician. This course explores governance in cybersecurity and threat management. Learn to develop policies and ensure your organisation complies with ethics standards and legal and regulatory frameworks. You will also gain skills for managing threats, such as how to assess a network for vulnerabilities, manage risks, and respond to security incidents.
Link: Access the course here
Networking
Networking Basics
Estimated duration: 22 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in learning the basics of networking
Overview: The internet is built on computer networks. So no matter what kind of tech career you are interested in, it is essential to know some networking basics! Whether you are preparing for a career in networking, refreshing your knowledge for an industry-recognised certification, or are just curious about what networking is all about, this is the place for you.
This course covers the foundation of networking and network devices, media, and protocols. You will observe data flowing through a network and configure devices to connect to networks. Finally, you will learn how to use different network applications and protocols to accomplish networking tasks. The knowledge and skills you gain can give you a starting point to find a rewarding career in tech.
Link: Access the course here
Network Addressing and Basic Troubleshooting
Estimated duration: 14 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in progressing their networking knowledge further
Overview: This course explores key concepts for Internet Protocol (IP) addressing and basic network troubleshooting. Learn about the physical, data link, and network layers and how they work together to provide end-to-end connectivity. Understand how IP addresses are calculated and assigned. Then practice your troubleshooting skills to keep a network up and running.
Link: Access the course here
Networking Devices & Initial Configuration
Estimated duration: 22 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in progressing their networking knowledge further
Overview: If you know the basics of networking, then get ready to strengthen your foundation. A strong networking background is key if you are interested in exciting fields such as Cybersecurity and Network Development (DevNet) or want to continue towards a networking certification like Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
This course covers the essentials of network devices and how to configure them. Learn the characteristics and benefits of Cloud and Virtualisation technologies. Explore how to provide Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to devices both manually and automatically. Using this knowledge, you will calculate an IP addressing scheme, configure Cisco devices to create a small network, and test for connectivity issues.
Link: Access the course here
Network Support and Security
Estimated duration: 12 hours
Target audience: Learners interested in progressing their networking knowledge further
Overview: If you're interested in a career in IT, a support help desk role is a common starting point for entry-level network technicians. In this course, you will learn the basics of network and user support, which are essential for a successful career in networking.
Link: Access the course here
Further training opportunities
UCEN Manchester
As part of the LTE Group, UCEN Manchester deliver first-class technical and professional higher-level skills to meet the priorities of Greater Manchester and the wider region, with a focus on a vocational education.
Their courses are delivered in small classes offering personalised learning delivered by passionate, industry-experienced tutors. This approach helps students to prepare for a brilliant career.
Why not consider further developing your studies within the School of Computing and Cybersecurity, with a course at UCEN Manchester?
Level 4 on-campus courses at the new state of the art City Centre Campus include the following:
Cisco blended-learning courses offered at UCEN Manchester include the following:
The Manchester College
As part of the LTE Group, The Manchester College is one of the largest Further Education colleges in the UK. The College is the largest single provider of 16-19 and adult in Greater Manchester, with more than 25% of Greater Manchester’s learning provision undertaken by the College.
Want to further develop your computing skills, why not browse the computing course catalogue for further study opportunities at The Manchester College.