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PC training: computer skills for work
PC training teaches people to use a computer confidently for everyday work: Windows, files and folders, email, the internet and the Microsoft Office programs. Almost every job now involves a computer, from capturing data and writing letters to joining online meetings, so basic computer skills matter for job-seekers and employees alike.
Courses on this topic at BOTI today
- Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Office Basics (2 days)
- Microsoft Office Essentials: Word, Excel and PowerPoint Beginners (3 days)
- Microsoft Excel Beginners (1 day)
At your offices anywhere in South Africa, live online or at a BOTI venue.
See all Microsoft Office and Computer Skills coursesGet a quote for your teamLearning on your own? Self-paced e-learning from R595 (excl. VAT) · Ask your employer to pay
This page explains why PC training matters for job-seekers and employers, which computer skills pay off at work, and which PC training courses BOTI runs in-house, at its Johannesburg venue or online. For every level, from first steps to advanced Excel, see BOTI’s computer and Microsoft Office courses.
PC training courses for teams
Why PC training pays off
- A stronger CV. Employers expect basic computer skills in most roles, and a job-seeker who can use Word, Excel and email is ready for the work from the first day. BOTI offers basic computer literacy skills and typing.
- Better decisions from data. Spreadsheets turn raw figures into totals, charts and summaries that managers can act on. Excel is the usual starting point.
- Professional documents and presentations. Letters, reports and slides look consistent and take less time to produce in Word and PowerPoint.
- Clear communication. Email, calendars and online meetings are how most teams work together. Outlook training covers mail, the calendar, contacts and tasks.
- Less repetitive work. A mail merge in Word produces the same letter for hundreds of addresses in one step, instead of typing each one.
- Safer computer use. Staff who recognise phishing emails and use strong passwords protect the organisation’s information. Cyber security awareness training covers these habits in one day.
Other benefits include higher productivity, fewer requests to colleagues or IT for help with simple tasks, and staff who can solve small computer problems themselves.
PC training courses at BOTI
BOTI’s PC training courses form a ladder, so each person can start at the right level and move up.
Computer literacy for beginners
- Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Office Basics (2 days): how a computer works, Windows, files and folders, saving and backing up, safe use of email and the internet, and first steps in Word, Excel and Outlook. No previous experience is needed.
- Microsoft Office Essentials: Word, Excel and PowerPoint Beginners (3 days): for people who can use a computer but are new to the Office programs.
- Microsoft Office All-in-One (5 days): computer basics and Windows, then a full day each of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Typing
Improving Your Typing Skills: Touch Typing Course (1 day) moves delegates from two-finger typing to touch typing with all ten fingers, including capitals, punctuation, the number row and the numeric keypad. Each delegate’s speed is measured in words per minute at the start and the end of the day.
Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
Once the basics are in place, separate courses take each program from beginner to advanced level:
- Excel: Microsoft Excel Beginners (1 day), then Intermediate and Advanced, or Microsoft Excel Beginners to Advanced (3 days) for a group that needs all three levels.
- Word: Microsoft Word Beginners (1 day) up to Microsoft Word Beginners to Advanced (3 days).
- PowerPoint: Microsoft PowerPoint Beginners (1 day) and Microsoft PowerPoint Beginners to Advanced (2 days).
- Outlook: Microsoft Outlook Beginners (1 day) and Microsoft Outlook Beginners to Advanced (2 days).
Other software
BOTI also trains staff on Microsoft Access and Microsoft Project, Sage Pastel, CorelDRAW, Adobe programs and AutoCAD. Examples include Microsoft Access Beginners (1 day), Microsoft Project Essentials to Advanced (2 days), Sage 50cloud Pastel Xpress (3 days) and CorelDRAW for Beginners (2 days). Design and drawing software courses are listed under Graphic Design & CAD.
PC training in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town
BOTI runs its PC training courses in three ways: in-house at your premises anywhere in South Africa, at BOTI’s training venue in Sunningdale, Johannesburg, or live online. In-house training suits a group: the trainer comes to your offices in Durban, Cape Town or elsewhere, so nobody has to travel. Every delegate works at a computer throughout the course, and laptops with the software can be supplied on request.
Course fees depend on the course and the number of days, and each course page shows its price. For a group, ask for a quote and say which format suits you.
BOTI’s PC training courses are not accredited. They are delivered as professional skills programmes, and delegates receive a BOTI certificate of attendance.
Book or request a quote
Tell us which course you need, how many delegates you have and where they are based, and we will send a quote for in-house, venue or online training.
Or browse all our courses – run at your offices, online or at a BOTI venue:
Speak to a BOTI consultant
Phone 011 882 8853 or email [email protected], or fill in the form and we will get back to you.
Frequently asked questions
What PC training courses does BOTI offer?
BOTI’s computer courses form a ladder. Beginners start with Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Office Basics (2 days), and there is a 1-day touch-typing course. Next come Microsoft Office Essentials (3 days: Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Microsoft Office All-in-One (5 days). Separate courses then take Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint from beginner to advanced level.
How much do PC training courses cost?
Each BOTI course page shows its price, so you can compare courses before you enquire. For a team, ask for a quote for in-house training at your premises, training at BOTI’s venue in Sunningdale, Johannesburg, or online training, and say which course and how many delegates you have in mind. Call 011 882 8853 or email [email protected] for a quote.
Can I do PC training in Durban or Cape Town?
Yes. BOTI offers its computer courses across South Africa: in-house at your premises, including in Durban and Cape Town, or online, so delegates can join from any city. BOTI’s own training venue is in Sunningdale, Johannesburg. For a group in Durban or Cape Town, in-house training means the trainer comes to your workplace.
Do BOTI’s computer courses come with a certificate?
BOTI’s short computer courses, such as Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Office Basics, are not accredited. They are delivered as practical professional skills programmes, and every delegate who completes one receives a BOTI certificate of attendance. If you need a credit-bearing computer qualification instead, ask BOTI which accredited options are open for enrolment before you book.
If you or your staff are starting from scratch, BOTI’s Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Office Basics course spends day one on the computer, Windows, and files and folders, and day two on safe internet and email use and first steps in Word, Excel and Outlook. It runs in-house, at BOTI’s venue in Sunningdale, Johannesburg, or online.