Microsoft Essentials Training

Goodwill’s free Microsoft Essentials training course will teach you the ins and outs of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint – three systems many hiring employers want their candidates to know how to use. Goodwill’s Microsoft Essentials training course, which we call “Microsoft Essentials for Business,” is a virtual, instructor-led training course designed with 60 hours of lectures, tutorials, daily hands-on exercises and final projects integrating all three productivity tools – Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint. Upon successful completion, students will earn a Microsoft Essentials for Business Certificate of Completion. In this course, you will learn to:

• Master Microsoft Word from beginner to advanced
• Format documents effectively
• Apply various page layout techniques
• Prepare documents for printing
• Build a solid understanding of the basics of Microsoft Excel
• Use the most common Excel functions used in the office
• Create a business presentation
• Minimize text quantity on presentations by using graphs and images

2023 Training Dates

Course Timeframe

Goodwill’s Microsoft Essentials for Business course lasts three weeks (approximately 20 hours per week). Class meets virtually Tuesday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Weeks 1 and 2 include lectures, tutorials and daily hands-on exercises. In Week 3, students will have the option to complete final projects to earn certification.

Certification Opportunities

Upon successful completion of Goodwill’s Microsoft training course, students will earn a Microsoft Essentials for Business Certificate of Completion.

Prerequisite

Prior to enrolling in Goodwill’s Microsoft training course, you must pass a Basic Computer Skills assessment. Having basic computer skills – including the ability to navigate between applications, use a keyboard, manipulate a mouse and navigate the internet – will set you up for success with this course.

Prepare for Training

Access Free Online Learning at GCFGlobal and Northstar Digital Literacy to practice Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and to develop other computer skills needed for the training.

Required Technology

• Wi-Fi for internet access
• A computer/laptop/tablet (a cell phone is not sufficient to access course materials)
• Webcam and microphone to participate in course exercises and discussions

Don’t Have Access to the Above Technology?

• Notify a Goodwill team member upon registration to reserve space at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus to utilize our available technology
• Or click here to get connected with Digital Charlotte, an organization that assists people in Mecklenburg County with signing up for affordable internet service and purchasing affordable technology

Related Career Information

To find out more information about potential careers, trends, wages and benefits for those that complete this course, visit www.onetonline.org. 

Launch Your Career

As a participant in one of Goodwill’s intensive training programs, you will be paired with a Career Navigator who will provide comprehensive and accelerated services to prepare you to advance and leverage career readiness and essential skills. They will provide ongoing career coaching activities such as resume development, elevator pitch, mock interviews and more. As you near completion of your training course, you will be connected with a member of the Employer Engagement Team for employment assistance. The Employer Engagement team partners with employers to facilitate employer led trainings, site tours, hiring events, and direct placements into high-paying industry related employment opportunities.

How to Apply