Person working on Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with charts and formulas on laptop screen

Excel for Beginners: Fundamentals


Improve your workplace skills by learning to use Microsoft Excel in this practical, entry-level online course. Designed for complete beginners, this hands-on class will teach you how to navigate spreadsheets, build formulas, apply formatting and create charts to present data clearly and professionally.

You’ll gain confidence using core Excel functions and tools to organise information, streamline repetitive tasks and improve accuracy in your daily work. Whether you use Excel for administration, finance, small business or personal projects, these foundational skills will help you work smarter and more efficiently.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to analyse data, identify trends and prepare professional worksheets. Graduates can progress to Excel Intermediate: Functions and Data Analysis.

Course Content

  • Build formulas using BODMAS and apply absolute cell references (e.g. $A$1).
  • Use essential functions including SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, SUMIF and COUNTIF.
  • Format worksheets, sort and filter data, and use Paste Special.
  • Prepare spreadsheets for printing, use freeze panes and manage large worksheets.
  • Create charts and sparklines to visualise data.

Schedule & Pricing

  • 9:30am–3:30pm (one-day workshop).
  • Course fee from $399–$420 (subject to date).

Online Delivery

This course is delivered live online via Zoom, offering the same interactive experience as in-person classes. A Zoom link and joining instructions will be provided prior to commencement.

System Requirements

  • Microsoft Office 365 or Office 2016 (or later).
  • Windows or macOS compatible.
  • Dual monitor setup recommended for ease of learning.

Details

You will learn

  • Create accurate formulas using BODMAS and cell references
  • Apply key Excel functions to analyse and summarise data
  • Format, sort and visualise data with charts and filters

You will get

  • Live interactive training via Zoom
  • Step-by-step guidance from an experienced tutor
  • Practical skills for administration, finance and data roles

Appropriate for

Beginners with no prior Excel experience who want to upskill for work or personal use; basic computer skills required.


Preparation

What to bring

  • Laptop or computer with Microsoft Excel installed
  • Microsoft Office 365 or Office 2016+
  • Optional second monitor for dual-screen setup

What to wear


Your Teacher

Sydney Community College

Sydney Community College

38 reviews

Sydney Community College is a registered charity with a voluntary Board of Directors

The College has a mission to offer innovative continuing adult education and training programmes that support individual efforts and facilitate sustainable social change.

We do this by:

  • Providing quality continuing adult education opportunities for people to build practical and theoretical skills and develop knowledge;
  • Leveraging from and developing community capacity and inclusivity;
  • Developing innovative affordable and accessible skills training programmes;
  • Partnering with like organisations to deliver learning opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities;
  • Partnering with all levels of government to deliver education policy objectives.

Terms

Cancellations & Refunds

If the organiser cancels the class:

You are entitled to a full refund.

If you can't attend the class:

You’re welcome to send someone in your place.

OR

  • A refund can be requested 10 days before class starts. An admin fee of AU$45.00 applies.

Terms & Conditions

At Sydney Community College, we know that plans can change unexpectedly. Whether it’s a shift in your schedule, a family emergency, or just a change of heart, we want to support you in the fairest way possible.  

At the same time, we’re a not-for-profit organisation that commits resources to running each class—so last-minute cancellations can significantly impact our ability to offer quality, affordable programs.

That’s why we’ve created a simple, transparent policy that balances your need for flexibility with our need to plan and deliver courses sustainably.  Our cancellation policy offers two clear options, depending on when you notify us:

Cancel More Than 10 Days Before the Course Starts – You can choose to receive a full refund, minus a $45 administration fee OR a non-refundable credit note valid for 12 months for the full value you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

 Option 2: Cancel Within 10 Days of the Course Starting - You’ll receive a credit note valid for 12 months for 50% of the course fee you paid for the course. This credit can be used towards any future course at the College. 

Please note that both refund and credit options are only available before the course begins. Once the course has started—or if you decide to withdraw after it has commenced—no refunds or credits can be issued.  If you need to cancel your enrolment, just email us and we’ll take care of it based on the timelines above.

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