Microsoft Excel Introduction

Course overview

This course is ideal for anyone who is working with numbers and data and who needs to be able to create spreadsheets, understand formulas and automate calculations.

Unlock the power of spreadsheets with this practical, beginner-friendly course. Designed for complete newcomers or those looking to refresh their skills, it takes you step by step through setting up clean worksheets, entering and organising data, building accurate formulas, and using core functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX and COUNTIF. You’ll also learn how to format for clarity, apply time-saving tools like AutoFill and AutoSum, and link data across worksheets to work more efficiently and with fewer errors.

Through guided, hands-on exercises, you’ll gain confidence navigating Excel’s workspace, creating professional-looking charts and reports, and preparing print-ready documents. By the end of the session, you’ll be able to produce clear, accurate, and well-structured spreadsheets that turn numbers into insight—providing a solid foundation for more advanced Excel skills in the future.

Course benefits

• Work smarter, not harder: Learn practical techniques to keep your data clean, organised, and error-free.
• Build confidence with formulas & functions: Master calculations, cell references, and automation to reduce manual work.
• Turn data into insight: Create clear charts and graphs to spot trends and patterns at a glance.
• Professional presentation: Control layouts, page setup, and printing for polished, print-ready spreadsheets.
• Highlight what matters: Use conditional formatting to make important data stand out.
• Foundation for further learning: Build the skills needed for advanced Excel, analytics, or business intelligence courses.
• High-impact learning in one day: Gain practical skills you’ll use immediately, delivering value far beyond the course fee.

Please note

This course specification has been put together to achieve the key learning aims appealing to a broad range of customers. PETA are able to use this course as the basis of a bespoke programme if you would like the learning outcomes to be specific to your organisation. Contact us for more information on our bespoke training options.