IT Office Software Applications

What is IT Office Software Applications? 

This competition area involves the use of the Microsoft Office application software. Microsoft Office is used widely in businesses throughout Canada and around the world. As a result, more and more businesses require personnel who are fluent in the applications of Microsoft Access, Excel, Word and PowerPoint. These personnel can archive and retrieve electronic files, and enter and manipulate data for efficiency, analysis, reporting, and presentation. 

A user with well-developed skills in Microsoft Access is able to manage records and create meaningful reports while accessing simple or complex databases. Skills in using Microsoft Excel enable the user to set up and manipulate numeric data on worksheets. The numerical data can range from simple numbers to the development of complex formulas and graphs. Microsoft Word facilitates the preparation of a wide variety of business documents while Microsoft PowerPoint software allows the user to confidently prepare and give electronic presentations. 

IT Office Software Applications users perform some or all of the following duties: 

HOW TO JOIN THE FIELD  

Computer Training Courses 

Microsoft Office Specialist Training 

INDIGENOUS AND REMOTE CONSIDERATIONS  

Indigenous and remote communities are catching up to southern Canada when it comes to digital technology and computer skills and industries. Not all communities have access to reliable, affordable internet and service interruptions are all too common. Access to computers at home is not a given for everyone and Elders and even sometimes younger generations lack computer knowledge, although this situation is undergoing some significant changes at the moment. But even those people in Indigenous and remote communities with interest and high-level skills in computers may not have the same access to opportunities to learn about different programs and may face significant bandwidth issues, limiting their ability to learn and develop in this field. Indigenous and remote students may need qualifying courses or need to augment college learning to be successful in this field. 

Although with significant improvements currently underway to internet connections in Indigenous and remote communities, careers in this field become more viable and are likely to become more so in years to come. 

DISABILITY CONSIDERATIONS 

Since this job may require sitting at a computer for long periods of time, people with visual disabilities may find it challenging. They may require specialized screens. Also, as it may require sitting for long periods of time, people with certain physical disabilities may struggle as well. Accommodations such as standing desks may make the work more comfortable and ergonomic. However, the fact that this work is digital in nature, may make it attractive to people with mobility disabilities, as they may be able to perform most of the work duties from the comfort of their home. People with learning disabilities may require extra support in post-secondary as well as on the job to ensure their success. 

IT Office Software Applications and the Skills for Success Program

The key Skills for Success for this career path are:

• Digital 
• Reading 
• Numeracy 

Software Engineer PDF