Stop falling behind.
Start using Microsoft and AI properly
Step-by-step courses in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Copilot AI.
Meet Gemma
YOUR TRAINER
I created Smart Skills Academy because I believe practical, no-nonsense training should be accessible to everyone - without the jargon, the overwhelm, or the wasted time.
10+ Years of training
Published Author
AI for Busy Professionals
NHS & UK Gov
Trusted to train public sector teams
Microsoft Certified
Verified credentials via Credly
"In the past 12 months I have consulted for large pharmaceutical organisations and delivered training for the UK Government and the NHS. I was also ranked in the top 3% of ChatGPT users worldwide in 2025."
— GEMMA COLES, FOUNDER
Now on Amazon!
Launched on Mon 27th April 2026
Finally - AI explained properly, without the jargon, overwhelm, or wasted time. If tools like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or AI inside Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Outlook feel confusing, you’re not alone. This is a simple, practical approach designed to help you understand where AI fits into your work and start using it straight away - no tech speak, no long courses, just clarity and confidence.
You’ll learn how to use AI to save time, handle everyday tasks faster, and improve the quality of your work with ready-to-use prompts and real scenarios. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to use, what to ignore, and how to make AI genuinely useful in your day-to-day role.
7 Day AI Challenge
Our 7 Day AI Challenge is designed for busy people who want to build confidence without sitting through long training sessions. In just a few minutes a day, you’ll experiment with simple, practical AI prompts and discover how easy it can be to use AI in everyday work.
No jargon. No pressure. Just real progress.
In this challenge you will:
• Spend just 2–3 minutes per day trying one guided AI prompt
• Learn practical ways AI can support your work
• Build confidence through simple, hands-on experimentation
• Be part of a supportive, encouraging community
• Earn your place on the 7 Day Challenge Champions Wall
If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to start using AI, this is it. Click here to find out more
Not Sure What is right for you?
The Smart Skills Audit is a short self-assessment designed to help you reflect on how you currently use Excel, Word, PowerPoint and AI in your everyday work.
By scoring each statement from 1–5, you will identify your current skill level and discover the most helpful next step - whether that is building stronger foundations, improving your workflow, or learning how to integrate AI to work more efficiently.
Click on the image below to open the Microsoft Form and take the quiz.
What People Say....
Business Owner
Testimonial
I consider myself fairly knowledgeable with both Microsoft Office and AI, but after completing the "AI Essentials" course, I feel a lot more confident letting AI do the heavy lifting. Copilot as an assistant is a game changer. Tasks that used to take hours now take minutes.
Gemma uses visuals and hands-on tasks so you can actually practice what you're learning and apply it in real time, which I loved. The modules are broken up in a way that won't overwhelm beginners, but experienced users can follow right along too.
If you're looking for the basics of using AI with Microsoft Office, or you want to expand your knowledge and truly enhance how you work, this course is for you!
Antonio
Teacher
Testimonial
I was confident with the basics but understand there is always more we can learn. I have been truly amazed by the extra tips and skills I have learned since starting courses with Smart Skills Academy.
Gemma’s teaching style is direct and fun, I’ve genuinely enjoyed the sessions and the fact they fit into my busy lifestyle!
I can’t wait to start the AI course and would recommend Smart Skills Academy to anyone trying to brush up on their current skill set or learn something completely new!
Janet
Business Owner
Testimonial
If you need to master Excel, you absolutely must talk to Gemma!
I was heading into a new job where being able to use Excel for reporting and analysis was non-negotiable, it was essential. I felt nervous, but Gemma made the whole experience so wonderfully easy and fun.
She is truly a natural teacher. Gemma has this fantastic way of creating a super positive learning environment where you feel completely comfortable. Her patience is incredible, and she's so genuinely supportive. I never once felt silly asking a question. Plus, she's just extremely knowledgeable!
Thanks to Gemma, I not only learned what I needed but I also genuinely enjoyed the process. I now feel totally confident using Excel in my new role, and I can't thank her enough!
Hannah
Business Development Manager
Services
Whether you need to sharpen your skills or streamline your business processes, you are in the right place
Meet Gemma
I’m Gemma, and I’m here to make learning simple and stress-free. Whether you’re returning to work, boosting your CV, or building confidence, I’ll guide you step by step. No jargon, no pressure—just clear, practical training to help you succeed. Let’s do this together!
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Courses
Learn Excel, Word, PowerPoint and AI with step-by-step video tutorials, covering everything from spreadsheets to presentations. Access ready-to-use documents, follow along with guided lessons, and test your knowledge with multiple-choice quizzes and practical exams. Build confidence and skills at your own pace!
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Consultancy
Get tailored solutions for your business with expert support in analytics, strategy, segmentation, and data management. From bespoke Excel training to custom templates and costing tools, I provide easy-to-use solutions that streamline your workflow and drive results. Let’s make your data work for you!
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Microsoft Excel Associate
Unlock the full potential of Microsoft Excel with our beginner friendly course. More Info