Almost every job today involves some level of digital technology, from checking your email and online rosters to using specialist software and communication tools. In fact, 87% of jobs in Australia now require digital literacy skills, and this figure is only growing. Yet one in four Australians feels they lack the digital skills needed for the jobs of the future. For school leavers with disability, building these digital skills is not just about getting a job – it’s about confidence, independence, and thriving in a modern world that’s increasingly online.

Next Gen Youth Employment understands how crucial digital confidence is for young people with disability stepping into the workforce. Our mission is to help you gain those must-have skills, from the basics of using email and calendars to more advanced tools, all while ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. In this practical guide, we’ll break down the core digital skills that will help you feel work-ready, suggest free or low-cost ways to build them (even before or during your School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program), and show how these skills also empower independence in everyday life. We’ll also highlight how Next Gen Youth Employment can help you on this journey – because with the right support, you can navigate today’s digital workplaces with confidence.

Why Digital Skills Matter in Today’s Workplaces

Digital know-how has become a foundation for employability. Whether you’re aiming for an office job, a retail position, a trade apprenticeship or any other career, employers expect a baseline of computer and tech skills. It might be as simple as clocking in on a digital timesheet or as involved as using industry-specific software – either way, being comfortable with technology makes a big difference.

For young people with disability entering the workforce, having solid digital skills can level the playing field and open up more opportunities. Many application processes and training programs are online, and lacking basic computer skills can itself be a barrier to finding and securing a job. On the flip side, being digitally savvy boosts your attractiveness to employers. It shows you can communicate, learn, and adapt using the tools that most workplaces rely on daily.

Importantly, digital skills are not only about doing the job – they also help you get the job. Imagine searching for jobs on Seek or Indeed, emailing a résumé, or attending a virtual interview on Zoom. These all require a level of digital literacy. As Jobs and Skills Australia notes, digital skills (basic and advanced) are among the fastest-growing competencies required in the workplace. In short, investing time in your tech skills now is investing in your future employability.

Finally, let’s not overlook how technology can empower independence and inclusion. For many people with disability, digital tools (including accessibility features and assistive tech) can be game-changers. They enable you to perform tasks that might be hard in a strictly physical world – from voice-to-text software that helps if typing is difficult, to screen readers or captioning that make information accessible. Becoming confident with everyday tech is often key to advocating for yourself and asking for reasonable adjustments at work (like accessible software or adapted hardware). It’s all part of feeling more confident and capable in modern workplaces.

Next Gen Youth Employment recognises these benefits, which is why we embed digital skill-building in our programs. Let’s look at what core “must-have” skills you should focus on first, followed by some “nice-to-have” extras and industry-specific skills for particular careers.

Must-Have Digital Skills for Young People Entering the Workforce

Every school leaver – with or without disability – should have a basic toolkit of digital skills when starting out in a job. These foundational skills ensure you can communicate, organise your work, and learn new things on the job. Here are the must-haves:

• Email and Calendar Management: Email is the primary way businesses communicate formally. Being able to send, receive, and reply to emails is essential. You should know how to write a clear, polite email (for example, to your boss or a customer) and attach files like a résumé or report. Equally important is using a digital calendar (like Google Calendar or Outlook) to keep track of your schedule. Modern workplaces often send meeting invites or roster updates via calendar apps. As a young person in your first job, using a calendar will help you remember your shifts, meetings, or deadlines. Tip: Start by creating a Google account if you don’t have one – it gives you Gmail (email) and Calendar for free. Practice by emailing a family member or mentor and scheduling your daily routine on the calendar. This skill will keep you organised from day one.
• Basic Document and Spreadsheet Skills: Most jobs will expect you to do simple tasks with word processing and spreadsheet software. This could be Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) or free equivalents like Google Docs and Sheets. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should know how to create, save, and edit a document, as well as type and format text (for example, writing a basic report or filling out a form). In spreadsheets, understanding how to enter data into rows and columns and perform very basic calculations (like summing up a column) is highly useful – think of a simple budget or a list of items. For instance, if you get your first pay cheque, a basic spreadsheet can help you track your expenses or savings. Many employers assume candidates have these basic computer skills, so having them ensures you won’t feel left behind. Tip: Try writing a one-page mock letter in Word/Docs and use bold or bullet points, or make a personal budget in Excel/Sheets to practise.
• Using the Internet and Search Engines: Being able to comfortably browse the web is crucial. Workplaces often require you to look up information online – perhaps finding a supplier’s address, using an online map to plan a delivery route, or researching a product. Effective search skills (like choosing good keywords on Google and evaluating the results) will save you time and show employers you can solve problems independently. Plus, many companies use online platforms for HR, training modules, or employee portals – so logging into websites and navigating them is a day-to-day task. Also, know how to fill out online forms (for example, when onboarding as a new employee, you might fill your details in a web form). Tip: Practice by searching for something you’re interested in (say, “basic computer skills tutorials”) and clicking through the results. Notice how to identify reputable sites. If you’re using a smartphone or tablet, ensure you can connect to Wi-Fi and browse effectively there too.
• Video Calls and Online Meeting Tools: Virtual meetings are now common in many workplaces, especially with more remote work and flexible arrangements. You might not use Zoom or Microsoft Teams every day in a beginner role, but you’ll likely encounter them for training sessions, team meetings, or if part of your work or interviews are done online. Make sure you know how to join a video call, turn your microphone and camera on/off, use the basic functions (like screen sharing or chat), and follow good etiquette (mute when not speaking, etc.). Knowing these will help you participate confidently in any online meeting. We’ve all heard stories of someone accidentally talking while muted or struggling to find the “share screen” button – practicing ahead can prevent those awkward moments. Tip: If you haven’t used these tools, consider asking a friend to do a quick video call practice with you. Try out Zoom (it’s free to sign up) or Google Meet and explore the buttons. This way, your first work video call won’t also be your first time using the platform.
• Managing Online Files and Cloud Storage: Gone are the days of handing in everything on paper – now files are often shared digitally. You’ll benefit from knowing how to create and manage files and folders on a computer, and also how to use cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox. For example, an employer might give you access to a shared Google Drive folder where company documents are kept, or you may need to save your work on a USB stick or a shared server. Understand how to save a file with an appropriate name, find it later, and maybe even share it with colleagues. Cloud tools allow you to access your files from multiple devices (computer, phone, etc.) and collaborate in real-time. Tip: If you have a Gmail/Google account, play with Google Drive: upload a document, create folders for different topics (like “Resumes” or “School Projects”), and share a file with someone you trust to see how it works. This skill will help you stay organised and ensure nothing important gets lost.
• Online Safety and Digital Etiquette: Perhaps most importantly, every young person should know how to stay safe online and behave appropriately on digital platforms. This is both for personal protection and professional reputation. Key online safety tips for school leavers include using strong passwords (and not sharing them), recognizing scams or suspicious emails (for example, beware of any message asking for personal info or bank details), and keeping your personal information private. It’s also wise to review your social media privacy settings – you may not want your future boss seeing every post. Remember that employers sometimes do check candidates’ online profiles during hiring, so ensure your public social media content is something you’d be comfortable with them seeing (e.g. no offensive posts). Digital etiquette (or “netiquette”) is about communicating respectfully and professionally. This means writing emails in a polite tone, not using ALL CAPS (which can come across as shouting), and being mindful of how you address colleagues or clients online. It also involves understanding appropriate use of work devices (for instance, not browsing inappropriate sites on a company computer and limiting personal social media use during work hours). Tip: A good rule is to think before you click or post. If something seems fishy online, ask someone or skip it – for example, if you get an email that looks like your bank but has spelling errors and asks you to urgently confirm your password, it’s likely a scam. For etiquette, treat online communications like in-person: be kind, patient, and professional. If you’re unsure about an email or message you wrote, read it aloud to yourself to check the tone before sending.

These must-have skills are the digital equivalent of knowing how to dress appropriately for work or how to shake someone’s hand – they’re fundamental to almost any role. Don’t worry if you’re not confident in all of them right now. Everyone starts somewhere, and even older workers often need to brush up on these basics. The good news is that they can be learned with practice and the resources we’ll share later.

Next Gen Youth Employment can help you master all of these basics. Our youth coaches frequently work one-on-one with participants to set up their first professional email address, practice writing emails, or walk through using tools like Word and Excel. In our SLES workshops, we incorporate digital tasks – for example, you might practice joining a Zoom call as if it’s a remote interview, or use Google Maps in a travel training exercise to plan your route to a work experience site. By focusing on these core skills, we ensure you won’t be left behind in a modern workplace. You’ll be able to hit the ground running, comfortable with the everyday tech that jobs require.

Nice-to-Have Digital Skills (to Give You an Extra Edge)

Once you’ve covered the essentials, there are additional digital skills that might not be strictly required for every entry-level job, but can really set you apart or make your work life easier. Think of these as “nice-to-have” skills – they can enhance your productivity and broaden the types of tasks you can take on. Here are a few:

• Presentation Software (PowerPoint or Google Slides): Many roles will eventually involve sharing ideas or reporting to others, and slides are a common way to do it. Knowing how to create a simple slideshow can be a bonus. Even if you’re not giving formal presentations yet, this skill is useful for school projects, community activities, or just organising information visually. If you can put together a few slides with text and images and know how to run a slideshow, you’re ahead of the game. Why it helps: Imagine you volunteer to create a short presentation to introduce yourself to a new team, or you help your boss put some data into slides for a meeting – it shows initiative and comfort with tech that not every beginner may have.
• Social Media and Digital Communication Tools: This refers to being savvy with platforms beyond email, such as instant messaging apps (Slack, Microsoft Teams) used within companies, or understanding the basics of social media management if relevant to your role. For example, a small business might ask you to help update their Facebook page or respond to customer DMs. While not every job will need social media skills, being fluent in how these platforms work (and how to use them professionally, not just personally) is increasingly valuable. Also, many workplaces use chat tools (like Teams, Slack) for quick communication – they might not teach you how to use it formally, expecting you’ll pick it up. If you’ve never used them, it’s worth familiarising yourself. Why it helps: Being adept at digital communication means you can quickly adapt to whatever tool a workplace uses to communicate. Plus, if you ever work in marketing, admin, or any customer-facing role, understanding social media etiquette and trends will be a plus.
• Basic Troubleshooting and Tech Support Skills: You don’t need to be an IT expert, but a little self-sufficiency with tech goes a long way. This includes knowing things like how to restart a frozen computer, install a basic app or software update, connect a new printer, or use Google/YouTube to find solutions to simple tech problems. Workplaces often have IT support, but they’re not always immediately available. If you can solve minor issues on your own, you’ll save time and show employers you’re resourceful. Why it helps: Let’s say the Wi-Fi disconnects or your work laptop isn’t printing – if you know to check the Wi-Fi icon or the printer queue, you might fix it in minutes instead of waiting. Employers appreciate staff who can troubleshoot basic issues independently (it also helps in everyday life when technology misbehaves!).
• Touch Typing (Keyboarding Speed and Accuracy): While not a formal requirement for most jobs, being able to type faster and accurately is a skill you’ll thank yourself for. Many of us type with a “hunt and peck” method if we were never taught touch typing. Learning proper typing technique (using all fingers without looking at the keys) can dramatically speed up writing emails, reports, or even chatting. It can also reduce fatigue. There are free typing tutors and games online that make it fun (we’ll mention a great one later). Why it helps: Consider this – if you can type 40 words per minute versus 15, think about how much time you save when writing a one-page report or taking notes from a meeting. Over a week, that can add up, and it means you spend less time on computer tasks and more on other parts of your job or learning new things.
• Advanced Features in Office Software: Once you know the basics of Word, Excel, etc., learning some advanced tricks can be a nice bonus. For example, in Word you might learn to use templates or formatting styles; in Excel, perhaps how to create a simple chart or use formulas for calculations. These are “nice-to-have” because you might not need them on Day 1, but as you grow in a role, they can help you stand out. Why it helps: Imagine an employer needs to organise a bunch of data – if you know how to sort and filter in Excel, you can volunteer to do it efficiently. Or if you’re writing a long document, knowing how to insert a table of contents in Word is a nifty skill. These little extra competencies can make you the go-to person in the office for certain tasks, even as a junior employee.

Think of these nice-to-have skills as your “power-ups”. They complement the basics and make you even more capable. You don’t need to learn them all at once. Often, the best way is to pick them up naturally as you explore technology or encounter needs. For instance, maybe you start a personal blog for fun – you’ll learn about formatting text and images (which relates to presentation and document skills). Or you get curious about how to edit a photo or a video for a hobby – that could come in handy at work if you ever need to create content.

At Next Gen Youth Employment, we encourage participants to pursue these additional skills once the basics are in place. In our workshops and coaching, if we see you have a knack or interest in an area (say, you enjoy making PowerPoints or you’re quick to learn new apps), we’ll gladly nurture that. We might give you extra responsibilities like being the one to set up the slideshow for a group presentation or explore a new task management app together. By tailoring our support to each individual, we make sure you’re not just work-ready at a basic level, but you have the chance to shine with your own strengths and interests.

Industry-Specific Digital Skills: Knowing What’s Needed for Your Chosen Field

While the must-have skills are broadly applicable to any job, it’s true that different industries or career paths will use different technologies. Here we’ll outline some industry-specific digital skills or tools that could be relevant, especially as you start thinking about the field you want to enter. You certainly don’t need to be an expert in these before you get a job – employers will usually provide training for their specific systems – but having some awareness or experience can give you a head start.

• Retail and Hospitality: If you’re interested in retail (shops, supermarkets, etc.) or hospitality (cafes, restaurants, hotels), expect to encounter point-of-sale (POS) systems. These are digital cash registers or checkout systems where you enter sales, process EFTPOS payments, etc. They’re usually touch-screen and fairly straightforward, but being comfortable with a touch interface and basic math for sales is important. You might also deal with online rostering systems (many retailers use apps or websites where staff can check their shifts or swap shifts) – so being able to log in and navigate a staff portal is key. Some larger stores use inventory scanners or handheld devices to check stock. Next Gen tip: If you have the chance in SLES work experience, we’ll try to get you exposure to a POS system. Otherwise, even using an iPad app that mimics a cash register or just getting familiar with handling electronic payments (like using payWave, processing a refund on an EFTPOS terminal during training) can help. These are typically taught on the job, but walking in with confidence using a tablet or computer at the checkout is a plus.
• Office Administration and Customer Service: Office roles (like admin assistant, receptionist, data entry clerk) will often use specific software such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, databases, or scheduling software. You might not know the exact software (as each company might use a different system), but if you have strong basics in Excel and word processing, you’ll adapt quicker. For example, many admin roles involve using accounting software (like MYOB or Xero) for invoicing, or a CRM to log client information. Being familiar with the idea of forms, tables, and data entry is useful here. Customer service roles might require using email or ticketing systems to respond to inquiries, or chat platforms for live support. Next Gen tip: To prepare, we often introduce our participants to simplified versions of these tasks. We might simulate entering data into a spreadsheet as if it’s a database of customer info, or use a practice email account to role-play responding to a customer query. If you’re considering a specific field (say, bookkeeping), we can suggest free trials or demos of common software in that field and walk you through them. Employers don’t expect you to know their system from day one, but showing that you’re digitally literate and not afraid of new software goes a long way.
• Trades and Construction: You might think trades (like carpentry, plumbing, electrical) are all about tools and hands-on work – and they are – but there’s a growing digital side too. Many tradies now use mobile apps for job management, such as receiving work orders on an app, logging hours and materials, or using GPS maps to navigate to job sites. There are also digital measuring tools, and if you get into areas like automotive, you’ll interact with computer diagnostic systems. For construction, plans might be shared via tablets, and safety or training modules could be online. Next Gen tip: We help young people in our program by integrating tech into work trials – for instance, using a phone calendar to schedule apprenticeships interviews or a notes app to record what was learned each day on site. If you’re in a trade, being comfortable with a smartphone or tablet is critical; practice using email on your phone, or filling out a form on a tablet (like a mock safety checklist). We might also show you how to use Google Maps or a transit app to reliably get to various job locations – a very practical digital skill for any mobile job.
• Creative Industries (Design, Media, IT): If you have a passion for graphic design, programming, video production or similar, you probably already know that these fields have specific digital tools. Graphic designers use software like Adobe Photoshop or Canva; video editors use Premiere or iMovie; coders work in various programming environments. If you’re aiming for an IT or media career, you might start dabbling in these on your own. Next Gen tip: Our role here is to support your interest by pointing you to beginner-friendly resources. For example, if you want to try coding, we can recommend free coding games or basic courses (like Scratch or Code.org for absolute beginners, or online platforms that teach HTML/CSS). If you’re into design, maybe try Canva – it’s free and very user-friendly to create simple graphics, and it teaches design concepts that apply to more advanced tools later. We also emphasise the soft digital skills in these industries, like using online portfolios to showcase your work or joining forums to ask questions – essentially, leveraging the internet to build your craft.
• Healthcare and Others: Fields like healthcare, education, logistics, etc., each have their own systems (for example, patient record systems for healthcare, learning management systems for education, routing software for logistics). You likely won’t have access to those outside the job, but what you can do is ensure you have the overall digital readiness to learn them. For instance, if you’re comfortable with general computer use and following online tutorials, you’ll pick up an electronic medical records software much faster when trained. Next Gen tip: We focus on making sure you have confidence in learning new tech. One way we do this is by practising learning – yes, learning how to learn a new system. This might mean giving you a mini-tutorial on a fake software in a workshop and seeing how you navigate it, to simulate the experience of learning something unfamiliar. It builds the mindset that “I might not know this program, but I know I can figure out how to use any program with some guidance.” That self-assurance is what employers love to see.

In any industry-specific scenario, remember that you’re not expected to know it all from day one. Employers value a willingness to learn. By showing that you have the basic digital foundations and a proactive attitude, you signal that any further technical skills needed on the job can be taught to you.

Next Gen Youth Employment has strong links with many industries (retail, hospitality, trades, etc.), and we stay updated on what technology is being used. We feed that back into our SLES program. For example, if we know a lot of employers are shifting to a certain app for rostering, we might introduce that app to our participants in a workshop. Or if employers value social media skills in marketing roles, we might have a mini-project where you plan a mock social media post for a business. By tailoring training to your career goals, we make sure you’re ready for the specific digital demands of the path you choose.

Building Digital Skills: Free and Low-Cost Ways to Learn and Practice

You might be thinking, “This is a lot of skills – how can I build all these?” The good news is you don’t need an expensive course or a fancy computer lab to start improving your digital skills. There are many free or low-cost resources available, and you can incorporate learning into your daily routine. Here are some practical ways to build up your digital toolkit, both before you enter the workforce and during programs like SLES:

Online Courses and Tutorials (Self-Paced Learning)

Be Connected (Australia) – A government-funded initiative offering free online learning modules to build digital skills and confidence. It’s actually designed for anyone new to technology (originally aimed at seniors, but absolutely useful for beginners of any age). You can learn everything from how to set up an email account to how to stay safe online (like avoiding scams). The lessons are easy to follow with videos and quizzes. Be Connected is great if you prefer bite-sized, step-by-step instruction.

GCFLearnFree / DigitalLearn – GCFLearnFree.org (now part of Goodwill Community Foundation) and DigitalLearn.org are fantastic libraries of free lessons on basic computer skills. They cover topics like using a PC, navigating a website, email writing, Word and Excel basics and more. Many lessons are video-based and you can go at your own pace. These are created in clear, plain language – perfect if you want to revisit a topic until you get it. For example: If you’re unsure about spreadsheets, there’s likely a module called “Excel 101” or “Spreadsheet basics” you can take.

YouTube Tutorials – Don’t underestimate YouTube as a learning tool! For any specific skill, simply searching “How to [do the thing]” will bring up free videos. Want to see how to join a Zoom call? There are videos for that. How to create a resume in Word? Plenty of walkthroughs. YouTube is great for visual learners, and you can pause and practice alongside the video. Just be sure to stick to reputable channels (ones with lots of views or likes, or channels from known organisations).

SkillFinder and OpenLearn – These are platforms offering free courses from various providers. SkillFinder (an Australian site) compiles free short courses from tech companies (like a free basic course on using Adobe Photoshop, for instance). OpenLearn (by The Open University) has a free course called “Digital skills: succeeding in a digital world” which might be a bit more in-depth but useful if you want to build confidence in navigating the digital world broadly.

Next Gen Youth Employment Workshops – If you’re enrolled with Next Gen in SLES, our workshops themselves are a great hands-on way to build skills. We integrate digital tasks in many activities. For example, in a job-readiness workshop, you might actually build your resume on a computer (practising Word) or create a sample budget (practising Excel). In social skills or independence workshops, we might show you how to use apps like Myki or Opal (for public transport) or how to set reminders on your phone for taking medication or catching the bus. These are all chances to learn by doing, with our staff guiding you. And if there’s a particular digital skill you want to improve, let us know – we can often tailor one-on-one coaching for it.

Interactive Apps and Games for Skill-Building

TypingClub (and other typing apps): TypingClub is a popular free website that turns learning to type into a game, with engaging lessons and even little challenges and fun graphics. It lets you gradually learn each key and improve your speed, and you can track your progress. There are also others like NitroType (a car-racing typing game) or various typing apps on smartphones. Even spending 10 minutes a day on these can dramatically improve your typing over a few months. Why do this: As we discussed, faster typing is a lifelong skill that will help in any digital task – plus, it’s kind of fun once you get into it, like beating your own high score.

Educational Games and Simulations: If you enjoy gamified learning, seek out educational games that involve digital skills. For instance, there are simulation games that teach coding logic (like Minecraft has a coding edition, or Roblox Studio for those into gaming, which secretly teaches programming concepts). Or if you like puzzles, apps that involve problem-solving on computers (even basic ones like figuring out how to organize things) can sharpen your digital thinking. These might not directly teach “how to use Excel” but they build your overall confidence with interacting with digital interfaces and solving problems within them.

Mobile Apps for Daily Life: Use the apps on your phone as practice grounds. For instance, set up the Maps app and learn to drop a pin, find directions, check public transport options. Try a budgeting app (there are simple ones like Pocketbook or even your bank’s app often has budgeting tools) to track a small amount of money – say, if you get pocket money or an allowance, track how you spend it each week. This not only teaches you the app, but it builds good life habits for money management. Set up calendar alerts for yourself, even for fun things (like a reminder to watch your favourite TV show) – just to practice and get used to notifications and scheduling.

Accessibility Features Practice: If you use any assistive tech or accessibility features (like voice control, screen readers, magnifiers, or dictation), practice using them in different apps. Next Gen can help you with this as well. For example, if using a screen reader, practice reading a webpage and an email to get comfortable. If you use voice dictation, try composing an email or document by voice. Modern operating systems (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android) have many built-in accessibility options – explore them to see what might help you use tech more effectively given your specific needs. Being adept at your own accessibility tools is a digital skill in itself that can supercharge your productivity.

Structured Programs and Support

School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES): If you’re in the SLES program (like the one offered by Next Gen Youth Employment), make the most of it. SLES is funded by the NDIS to help young people transition from school to employment, designed to build skills, boost confidence, and increase employability. Digital skills training is a core part of SLES. Our team will work with you on practical tasks – from using public computers at a library to complete an assignment, to sending us weekly progress emails (so you get routine using email in a real context). Since SLES is personalised, we can focus more on any area you feel unsure about. For example, if you’re anxious about online tests that employers sometimes have, we can find practice ones and do them together to build your comfort. Remember, SLES is there to support you, so think of it as a sandbox where you can try, mess up, and learn without fear – by the time you reach an actual workplace, you’ll have already tackled many of these digital challenges with us by your side.

Local Community Classes: Check your local community centres, libraries, or TAFEs for any basic computer skills classes. Sometimes libraries run “digital literacy” classes free for the community, covering things like internet basics or using smartphones. While these might cater to older adults, you might still find it useful if you prefer an in-person guided learning environment. Plus, they often allow carers or support workers to attend with you if that makes you more comfortable.

Peer Learning: If you have friends or classmates who are tech-savvy, consider forming a study group. You could swap skills – maybe you’re great at one thing (say, writing resumes) and your friend is great at Excel, so you teach each other. Or simply co-working on learning modules can make it more engaging. Sometimes a peer can explain something in a way that “clicks” better for you.

The key to building digital skills is consistent practice and real-world application. Try to incorporate technology into your daily life in small ways: send that email instead of making a phone call, set a reminder on your phone instead of relying on memory, type out a shopping list in a notes app instead of on paper, etc. Over time, these small actions become second nature, and you’ll find your confidence with tech has grown enormously.

Next Gen Youth Employment is here to guide you through this learning process. We can recommend resources (like those above), help you set up accounts safely, and even assign “homework” that’s actually fun – like asking you to email your coach with a short update each week (practising email and reflection at once). By the time you finish with our program, you’ll have not only learned digital skills but also applied them in meaningful ways.

Digital Skills for Independence in Everyday Life

One often overlooked aspect of digital skills is how much they contribute to your independence outside of work. Sure, we want you to be work-ready, but we also want you to thrive in daily life – and technology can assist greatly with that. Here are some ways the digital skills you’re building spill over into greater independence and confidence in your personal life (and vice versa):

Travel and Navigation: Getting to and from work (or anywhere) can be made simpler with digital tools. Apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps, and local public transport apps (for trains, buses, trams in your city), are invaluable. By learning how to input a destination and follow directions, you gain the freedom to travel new routes on your own. You can check schedules, delays, and even which platform to go to. During our Next Gen travel training, for example, we often use these apps to plan a journey together, then go out and follow the route. It builds not just digital skill, but real-world navigation skill. The first time going to a new workplace becomes much less intimidating when you know how to confidently use a maps app to guide you.

Money Management: Your first pay cheque is exciting – but managing money can be challenging. Digital skills can help you budget and save. If you can use a spreadsheet, you might track your income and expenses each week, or set up simple formulas to sum up how much you spent on lunch or transport. Not into spreadsheets? No problem – there are budgeting apps that link to your bank or that you can input expenses into. The government’s MoneySmart website has calculators and even a mobile app for tracking spending. Even setting calendar reminders for bill due-dates or using your banking app’s alerts when your balance is low are small digital habits that keep your finances on track. Next Gen often includes a “financial literacy” component in our workshops for school leavers, where we teach you how to use these tools as you start earning. It’s part of being independent – taking charge of your money, with digital help to make it easier.

Daily Scheduling and Time Management: Learning to use digital calendars and reminder apps doesn’t just keep you organised at work – it can structure your personal routine too. For someone with disability, having a reliable schedule can reduce anxiety. You might set reminders for medication, appointments, or even leisure activities (like a reminder to do a hobby so you ensure a work-life balance!). There are also specialized apps to help people with cognitive disabilities manage routines, often using visual schedules or checklists. Getting comfortable with a standard calendar/to-do app can ease you into using any specific tools a support worker or therapist might suggest.

Social Connections and Communication: Digital skills help you stay connected. Whether it’s messaging friends, joining online groups of people with similar interests, or reaching out to coworkers, knowing how to use communication apps enriches your social life. This is particularly significant if mobility or distance is an issue – online communities can be a lifeline. At the same time, being savvy online means you know how to set boundaries and keep yourself safe (recall those online safety tips: using privacy settings, not oversharing personal info, and so on). That way you can enjoy the benefits of social media and online friendship while avoiding common pitfalls. For instance, if you’re comfortable with video calls, you can have regular catch-ups with friends or family who live far away. Many of our Next Gen participants have formed their own peer support chat groups (with guidance on appropriate online behaviour) – continuing to encourage each other via WhatsApp or Messenger outside of program hours. This kind of digital social skill can combat isolation and build a network you can lean on.

Lifelong Learning and Entertainment: With digital skills, a world of learning opens up. You can take online courses (some of you might discover a love for something like graphic design or coding through a free online course – which could even pivot your career interest). You can also access entertainment and hobbies: maybe you learn to edit videos and start a YouTube channel for fun, or join an online chess club, or simply know how to download accessible e-books and audiobooks from the library. These improve quality of life and also often reinforce employability skills in roundabout ways (e.g., managing a small YouTube channel for your hobby teaches consistency, video editing, responding to comments – all useful things!).

Accessing Services and Information: Finally, basic digital literacy means you can navigate important services. Need to claim something from Medicare or Centrelink? It’s all online via MyGov. Want to check bus pass balances or NDIS service information? Likely online. By becoming comfortable with websites and forms, you can take charge of your own admin needs instead of always relying on someone else. This self-reliance is empowering. Of course, support is always available when needed, but the more you can do yourself, the more control you have over your life. Next Gen’s approach is to equip you with the skills to advocate for yourself – whether that’s emailing a potential employer about accommodations you need, or using assistive tech on your phone to read an important document without waiting for someone to read it to you.

In summary, digital skills are life skills. They bridge the gap between dependence and independence. As you grow more confident using technology for work tasks, you’ll naturally find yourself using it in daily life to solve problems or enhance your freedom – and vice versa. The empowerment you gain in one area fuels confidence in the other.

We at Next Gen Youth Employment love seeing this transformation: a participant who initially was nervous about using a computer might, after some months, proudly show us how they’ve been managing their own travel with a journey planner app, or how they set up a spreadsheet to save for a new laptop. These real-world outcomes are as important as the job outcomes, because they mean you’re equipped for life, not just work.

How Next Gen Youth Employment Can Help You Succeed

Reading through all these skills and tips, you might feel a bit overwhelmed – and that’s okay. The journey to digital confidence is a step-by-step process. You don’t have to do it alone. Next Gen Youth Employment is here to help young people with disability build these digital skills in a supportive, personalised way.

Our School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) program is specifically designed for this transition period from school to work, and digital literacy is a core focus. We know from experience that when our participants improve their tech skills, their confidence in all areas grows. Here’s how Next Gen can help you master essential digital skills and get work-ready:

• Personalised Coaching: We start by understanding where you’re at. Maybe you’re completely new to computers, or maybe you already have some skills but want to get better. Our youth coaches will tailor one-on-one sessions to your level. If you need to start with turning on a computer and using a mouse, we’ll happily begin there. If you’re comfortable with basics but want to practice, say, using Excel formulas or navigating an online learning module, we’ll work on that. There’s no judgement – just encouragement. Our team has years of experience helping young people with disabilities learn practical work skills, and we pace things according to your needs.
• Workshops and Group Activities: In our group workshops, we make digital skill-building interactive and relevant. For example, in a workshop about workplace communication, we don’t just talk – we might actually have the group practice writing and sending a professional email to a mock scenario (like replying to a client inquiry). In a budgeting workshop, everyone might use a computer or tablet to build a simple budget sheet. In a travel training session, we’ll use the real transport apps to plan a route as a group. These activities are not only educational but also fun and social – you learn alongside peers, share tips, and realize you’re not the only one figuring these things out. Often, participants end up helping each other, which reinforces their own knowledge (“I showed my friend how to attach a file to an email – now I’m confident I can do it myself!”).
• Real-World Practice (Work Experience): Next Gen’s approach emphasises learning by doing. Through SLES, we arrange work experience placements or volunteer opportunities in real workplaces when you’re ready. This is an ideal chance to apply your digital skills in context. Don’t worry – we match you with supportive employers and our staff stays involved to make sure it’s a positive learning environment. On a work placement, you might have the chance to use a checkout system, enter data into a company computer, or communicate with colleagues via email – all with a safety net because it’s a learning placement. This real-world exposure cements your skills far more than any classroom can. By the time you transition from SLES to open employment, you’ll have concrete examples to tell employers (“I used Microsoft Excel to maintain a stock list during my work experience at XYZ”), which shows them you’ve got practical experience.
• Adaptive Technology and Accessibility: As a youth employment service for people with disabilities, we are very mindful that one size does not fit all when it comes to digital skills. We can help identify and introduce assistive technologies or accessibility settings that make digital tools usable for you. For example, if you have low vision, we’ll make sure you’re comfortable using screen magnifiers or screen readers, and that you know how to adjust display settings on common programs. If you have motor difficulties, we can explore alternative input methods (like speech-to-text or adapted keyboards). If anxiety is a barrier, we can practice in low-stress settings and use gradual exposure – perhaps starting with messaging a coach (someone you trust) before you try emailing an unknown person, etc. Technology itself can be adaptive: we’ll help you unlock those features. Our goal is that no participant is left out of the digital learning due to their disability – rather, we leverage technology to mitigate challenges.
• Resource Guidance: Beyond our direct training, we act as a guide to the digital world. We stay up-to-date on the best apps, courses and tools (like the ones we listed earlier) and can point you to those that fit your goals. If your aim is to get into a particular industry, we can advise what baseline digital skills that industry expects and how to get them. For instance, if you tell us, “I want to work in admin,” we might focus on typing skills and using Outlook email/calendar a lot. If you say, “I’m interested in graphic design,” we might put more emphasis on presentation tools and social media portfolio building. We can also help families and caregivers understand what support is useful – sometimes it’s as simple as encouraging them to let you do things on the family computer by yourself to practice, or having them be your “practice audience” for a video call. We involve your support network in positive ways to reinforce your learning at home.

Above all, Next Gen Youth Employment believes in you. We’ve seen hundreds of school leavers with disability grow and succeed when given the right support and opportunities. Digital skills are just one part of the bigger journey – but a very important part. When you feel capable online and with tech, a lot of other pieces fall into place: you can communicate more easily, you can find information when you need it, you can organise your life, and you can showcase your abilities to employers. We’re here to make that journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Embrace the Digital World – We’re Here to Help You Thrive

In today’s world, being digitally capable is as essential as knowing how to read and write. It can sound intimidating if you’re just starting out, but as we’ve explored in this guide, you can build these skills gradually and there’s plenty of help available. From mastering the must-have basics like email and online safety, to adding nice-to-have skills that give you an edge, to preparing for the specific tech tools of your chosen industry – every bit of progress will boost your confidence. And remember, digital skills aren’t just for work; they’ll enrich your independence and daily life, from planning your commute to managing your finances and staying connected with friends.

You are absolutely capable of becoming confident with technology. Just as you’ve learned other things in life, you can learn this – one step at a time. And you’re not alone on the journey. Next Gen Youth Employment is passionate about empowering young people with disability to thrive in the modern workplace. We tailor our support to your needs, ensuring that digital skill-building is integrated into everything we do, at your pace.

Are you ready to boost your digital skills and kick-start your path to meaningful employment? Now is the time to take action. Even if you’re not sure where to start, that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Get in Touch with Next Gen Youth Employment

If you or a young person you know could use some guidance in building digital skills for work (or any other employment support), contact Next Gen Youth Employment today. We’re friendly, we understand the challenges you might face, and we have the expertise to help you overcome them. Whether you have questions about our SLES program, want to know more about the workshops we offer, or need advice on free resources to try at home, we’re just a phone call or email away.

Contact us for more information and assistance – let’s work together to unlock your potential and make sure you feel confident and ready to take on today’s digital workplaces. With Next Gen Youth Employment by your side, you can step into your first job – and all the independence that comes with it – knowing you have the essential digital skills to succeed.