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Skill Overview

This advanced CPD course develops higher-level Excel and analytical skills while integrating AI and automation awareness throughout the learning process.

Designed for confident Excel users, it enables participants to manage linked workbooks, apply logical and analytical formulas, and present data using professional standards.

Learners also explore how AI tools (such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot) can support troubleshooting, accuracy checking, and self-directed learning, and how automation platforms like Power Automate, Microsoft Forms, and Lists streamline data workflows.

Delivered through interactive tutor-led sessions (5 hours), the course combines practical Excel mastery with responsible AI use, critical thinking, and professional productivity.
An extended contextualised activity (1–2 hours integrated) allows learners to apply AI to real or simulated workplace spreadsheets, evaluate AI recommendations, and reflect on how automation can enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Employers will benefit from:

Staff capable of managing and streamlining digital workflows using SharePoint Lists and Libraries.

Improved communication, consistency, and accountability in digital collaboration.

Enhanced understanding of how automation and AI reflection improve productivity.

A workforce trained in safe, responsible, and efficient use of Microsoft 365 tools.

Employers will benefit from:

Staff who can manage, interpret, and present business data accurately and efficiently.

Improved workflow consistency and productivity through AI-assisted problem-solving and digital tools.

A workforce skilled in secure, responsible use of Microsoft 365 and AI technologies.

Increased capability for staff to self-train and adapt digital processes to business needs.

Employees will gain:

Intermediate Excel skills for professional data handling and reporting.

Confidence to use AI tools for independent troubleshooting and productivity improvement.

Awareness of safe digital and data practices, including ethical AI use.

The ability to reflect on AI feedback and apply it to continuous workplace improvement.

A progression pathway to advanced Excel and data productivity courses.

Learning Objectives

Learners will:

Design and manage multi-sheet workbooks, linking data and protecting formulas.

Use advanced formulas such as IF, SUMIF, COUNTIF, and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP to analyse data.

Apply validation rules, conditional formatting, and data integrity checks.

Create PivotTables and charts to present information clearly and professionally.

Use Excel’s auditing tools to trace formulas and verify accuracy.

Employ AI tools safely and ethically to debug formulas, suggest layouts, and support independent problem-solving.

Reflect on AI feedback to improve spreadsheet structure and identify productivity gains.

Understand how Excel integrates with automation tools (Power Automate, Forms, Lists) to streamline workflows.

Learning activities include guided demonstrations, peer collaboration, AI-assisted exercises, and reflection tasks, ensuring digital safety, inclusivity, and progression toward higher-level digital qualifications.

Funding Option

Funding Eligibility

This course is part of our Skills Development Service.

To be eligible for this training, you must be:

• 19 years old or over
• Employed, volunteering or an unpaid worker.
• Have the right to live and work in the UK.
• You must not already have achieved a level 2 qualification, in this subject, in the last 3 years.

This support is available for those living in Greater Manchester or one of the neighbouring areas. These include parts of Lancashire, Derbyshire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, and Cheshire – your eligibility will be checked by one of our Skills Coaches.

Skill Price ex VAT (£)

Skill Length

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Delivery Method

Skill Eligibility (Prerequisites for skill/software requirements)

A Microsoft 365 environment (institutional or licensed personal account) with Excel, Copilot, and related digital productivity applications enabled.

Reliable internet connectivity to access cloud-based AI tools and linked data storage.

A secure workspace compliant with GDPR and organisational data-protection policies.

Participants should have prior experience using basic Excel functions and the ability to work independently with tutor guidance.

All AI activities are completed using sample or anonymised data to ensure safe, ethical digital practice.

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