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Click Start with The Open University – Effective communication in the workplace

Explore the importance of communication as a skill in the workplace and improve your communication ability.

Get better at effectively communicating at work!
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A man smiling and pointing at the camera. Communication skills course.

This course is brought to you by:

Free to eligible students
Short Course
Provider:
The Open University
Course length:
24 hours
Delivery method:
Online
Price:
Free to eligible students
Start date: Start at any time
Subjects: Career Skills
Qualifications: Earn digital badges
Age range: 18-30

Click Start with The Open University is a free, flexible online programme for 18-30 year olds who want to develop new skills without impacting their busy lives. Combining The Open University’s expertise with industry knowledge from leading employers, the programme provides skills, confidence, and support. It’s all about setting you up for success in your career, whether you’re looking to move into the digital sector or you’re aiming to progress in your current role.

Carve your own path with a range of self-paced courses, community forums, tailored career guidance, and interactive webinars. You’re in the driver’s seat — select courses that match your goals, study at your own pace, and get the skills that suit your needs.

Ready to begin a digital career, move up in your current role, or prepare for further education? The support, knowledge, and confidence you need are just a click away – apply now!

This course 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.

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.
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What will I learn on this course?

This digitally badged course explores the importance of communication as a skill in the workplace. It aims to increase your understanding of communication skills and to help you to consider how your communication could be perceived by others.

This communication skills course is 24 hours long, broken down into 8 sections that are each 3 hours long. You can complete it at your own pace.

Start any time until 30th September 2025.

  • Internet – You’ll need a reliable Internet connection.
  • Devices – The Cyber FoundationsGetting started with generative artificial intelligence (AI) and professional skills courses are optimised for mobile viewing. 
  • Access to a desktop or laptop computer – For the labs and the CCST and PCEP courses, you’ll need regular access to a desktop or laptop computer to engage with the activities. Any supported Windows or Mac device will work. If using Linux, Ubuntu is recommended. Note that some simulations and labs won’t function on Chromebooks.
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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.

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.

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.

This course is run by The Open University. The Click Start programme is developed by the Institute of Coding and is funded by Nominet.

There are 11 courses available on Click Start with The Open University. Learn cyber security, Python, AI or boost your career skills.

Free to eligible students
Short Course
Provider:
The Open University
Course length:
24 hours
Delivery method:
Online
Price:
Free to eligible students
Start date: Start at any time
Subjects: Career Skills
Qualifications: Earn digital badges
Age range: 18-30