Examination board OCR and software vendor Microsoft have launched a digital literacy qualification and training course that will be available through online learning scheme Learndirect.

The government-backed scheme aims to reduce the IT skills gap in the UK, where 17 million people - almost a third of the population – don't know how to use a computer.

The minister for skills, David Lammy MP, said the project was crucial for the development of the knowledge economy and narrowing the digital divide in the UK.

"This curriculum goes to the heart of the prime minister's mission to skill up the nation," he said. "And being able to shop and bank online goes to the heart of social justice – for individuals, families and communities."

Digital literacy is considered crucial to keep the UK at the forefront of innovation.
The government estimates that 60 per cent of jobs have not yet been invented for children who are entering primary school now.

And an ICM survey commissioned by Microsoft - a partner in the scheme - last week found that almost half (47 per cent) of all adults in the UK today feel their computer skills are in need of improvement, with almost a quarter (23 per cent) citing fear as the main barrier to their improvement.

The curriculum is provided by Microsoft and will introduce learners to the fundamentals of computing, including the makeup of a computer, how to use the internet, using word processing and spreadsheet programs, and the importance of security online.

The course will be available nationwide through e-learning organisation Learndirect and free internet provider UK Online Centres.

Around 500 eligible UK online centres are expected to apply for their share of an estimated £3-6m software donation from Microsoft over the next year to facilitate the courses.

The scheme will help small businesses improve their innovation, said Pablo Lloyd, deputy chief executive at Ufi, the organisation behind Learndirect.

"The course can help people set up web sites and make their businesses more innovative – it's a way back to the skills ladder," he said.

At the end of the course trainees will have the option of gaining a recognised exam with the OCR which could then lead to further training.

Courses will be free for learners on benefits, most others will pay about £20. Exam costs under £10 to sit.