
The free programme that gives you the digital skills you need
START WITH CLICK START.
Open doors with Click Start.
The digital skills every industry needs
Online courses in your free time
Flexible to suit your lifestyle.
“I come from a council estate. I didn’t go to university. Getting a start in digital made a massive difference to my life. If I did it, so can you. Join Click Start today. What have you got to lose?”
FAQs
All you need is an open mind. You don’t need experience. You don’t need to have been to university. All you need to have is curiosity, competent digital literacy skills and a willingness to learn new things. Maybe you want a new direction? Maybe you want to upskill? Maybe you want a raise or promotion in your current role? Click Start gives you the head start you need.
To participate in the programme, you’ll need a stable internet connection. Most of the courses are mobile-friendly. However, for the labs in CCST and PCEP courses, you’ll need a desktop or laptop computer, ideally running Windows, Mac or Linux (Ubuntu is suggested for Linux users). Note that some simulations won’t work on Chromebooks.
The courses also require basic academic skills. You’ll need English proficiency at a Level 2 Functional Skills in English (England), Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication (Wales/Northern Ireland) or National 5 English (Scotland). Whilst maths concepts are explained as needed, proficiency at the equivalent of GCSE Grade 4/C or National 5 C or higher will be beneficial for the Python PCEP course and labs.
Click Start is designed to support under-represented groups. The aim is to give you the digital skills you need to open-up new opportunities and get better pay. Or simply do what you want to do in life.
For a FREE place, check if ALL of the following criteria apply to you:
- You are aged 18-30.
- You can commit to completing at least one course (minimum 3 hours).
- You can commit to participating in short surveys – we will ask for your feedback occasionally.
You can get started at any time. To begin, simply complete and submit the online application form. Once approved, you’ll receive details on how to create a login to access the courses on the course platform.
We recommend starting as soon as possible to ensure you can complete all the courses you’re interested in.
The programme offers foundational courses like Cyber Foundations and Getting Started with Generative AI to give you the skills you need to succeed in today’s digital world. These courses help you earn digital badges and build core knowledge.
From there, you can deepen your skills with:
- Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cyber Security courses, offering a strong base in entry-level Cyber Security.
- PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer course, which covers the essentials of programming in Python—a versatile, beginner-friendly language. You’ll also apply your skills in practical labs (coming soon).
To support your professional journey, we also offer Career Skills courses with content designed to help you succeed in an evolving job market.
It’s completely free. And no, there’s no catch. This programme has been developed in partnership with the Institute of Coding (IoC) and has been funded by Nominet to help reduce the UK’s digital skills gap.
This is part of Click Start, a nationwide training programme developed by the Institute of Coding (IoC), a national collaboration of universities, employers and charities and funded by Nominet – the public benefit company and guardians of the .UK namespace.
The programme, which launched in 2023, helps to tackle the UK’s digital skills gap by offering skills and training to more than 26,500 learners across the country who may not have previously had opportunities.
1. UK Gov DCMS Report, “No longer optional” 2019 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/807830/No_Longer_Optional_Employer_Demand_for_Digital_Skills.pdf
2. https://technation.io/news/uk-tech-jobs-people-skills-report-2022/
3. UK Gov DCMS Report, “No longer optional” 2019 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/807830/No_Longer_Optional_Employer_Demand_for_Digital_Skills.pdf