Level up your digital skills for free at Weymouth’s new hub

Free courses, expert support, and a chance to win a tablet – all at Weymouth Library this autumn.

Dorset Council is proud to announce the launch of a brand-new Digital Skills Hub at Weymouth Library, opening on 15 September and running through December.

The Weymouth Digital Skills Hub, will provide free support to help residents build confidence with technology, access online services, and improve digital skills for everyday life. This exciting initiative offers free courses, workshops, and one-to-one support to help residents and businesses boost their digital confidence and unlock new opportunities.

The hub is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) - a central government initiative designed to reduce regional inequalities and invest in local priorities such as community wellbeing, business growth, and skills development. Dorset Council is using its £6 million SPF allocation to deliver projects like this across the region, helping to boost opportunities and local pride.

Digital skills are now essential for everyday life - from job applications and managing finances to staying connected or running a business. The Weymouth Digital Skills Hub ensures no one is left behind, offering support for complete beginners through to those wanting to sharpen professional skills.

The hub provides a wide range of free sessions, including:

• One-to-One Digital Champion Appointments - personalised help with your devices and digital questions
• Drop-in Co-Learning Space - a relaxed, informal space where you can learn alongside others with support from a Digital Champion
• Digital Discovery Courses - structured sessions for beginners and intermediate learners
• Digital Employability Skills - short courses to support job searching, CV writing, and interview prep
• Microsoft for Beginners - bite-sized workshops on Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excel for Professionals - intermediate and advanced-level workshops designed to help you master Excel for work, data analysis, and business tasks
• Tech Talks - engaging sessions on digital topics and local opportunities
• Business Masterclasses & Accelerator Courses - for professionals and entrepreneurs ready to grow and innovate.

These sessions are designed to help you build confidence, whether you’re learning the basics or improving your skills for work and everyday life.

Sign up for a Digital Discovery or Digital Employability Skills course and you’ll automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a brand-new tablet. The winner will receive their device upon completing the course - the perfect tool to keep building your digital skills.

If you don’t have regular access to a computer or tablet at home, all learners may be eligible for a free tablet or refurbished laptop after completing the course.

To check if you qualify, email digitaldorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

Every Friday at 10am-2pm, the hub will be hosting Community Connect Days - a vibrant weekly event designed to bring together local residents and a wide network of support services under one roof. These drop-in sessions offer a relaxed, welcoming space where people can get help, ask questions, and connect with others in their community.

The initiative is powered by a partnership of organisations working together to make support more accessible. You’ll find representatives from Dorset Council, Citizens Advice, Volunteer Centre Dorset and other local groups - all ready to offer guidance on everything from digital skills, financial wellbeing to job applications and volunteering opportunities.

There’s no need to book - just turn up, grab a cuppa, and chat with someone who can help. Whether you’re looking for practical advice, want to get involved in your community, or simply need a friendly face to talk to, Community Connect Fridays are here to make life a little easier and a lot more connected.

This initiative supports Dorset Council’s Economic Growth Strategy, which aims to improve skills provision and unlock opportunities in Weymouth and surrounding areas.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said “We’re proud to bring this exciting new hub to Weymouth. Whether you’re just starting out with digital skills or looking to take your business to the next level, this is a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect and grow – and it’s completely free.”

A full timetable of upcoming courses and events is available now. This can be found and booked on the Weymouth Digital Skills Hub webpage.

You can also book in person at Weymouth Library or by calling the digital hotline on 01305 221048.