Unlock Futures

Empower Your Future: Essential Skills for Adult Learners

Learn at Your Pace, With Support. Master computer skills, finance, literacy, numeracy, and life skills in a safe and respectful space.

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About Unlock Futures

Unlock Futures (Skills Forward Pty Ltd) is led by Mandeep Kaur Aujla – an adult educator, trainer and confidence coach with extensive experience supporting learners in both New Zealand and Australia.

I specialise in helping adults return to learning after time away from study or work – whether that’s due to career breaks, injury, illness, caring responsibilities or a loss of confidence. Many of my learners describe themselves as “not tech savvy” or “not good with numbers” when we first meet. Together, we gently change that story.

Training is delivered online (mainly via Zoom) in a calm, step-by-step way. Every program is practical and focused on real-life outcomes – from using a computer confidently to understanding personal finances, preparing for work, and feeling more independent in everyday life.

What Makes Our Approach Different

  • Gentle, non-judgmental environment where questions are always welcome.
  • Training tailored to each learner’s starting point, pace and goals.
  • Experience working with diverse communities and ages 18–65+ across NZ and Australia.
  • Focus on practical outcomes: digital confidence, work readiness, and financial literacy.

Our Core Programs

Basic Computer Skills

For adults who feel “behind with technology”. Learn to use a mouse, keyboard, files, folders and simple settings at a gentle pace.

  • ✔ Using a mouse and keyboard
  • ✔ Understanding files, folders and saving
  • ✔ Safe and confident basic computer use
Delivery: 1-on-1 Zoom or small group

Microsoft Word – Beginner to Intermediate

Learn to create, format and edit documents for work, study or personal use – without feeling overwhelmed.

  • ✔ Typing and formatting text
  • ✔ Working with headings, spacing and layouts
  • ✔ Saving, sharing and printing documents
Delivery: Structured lessons with practice tasks

Microsoft Excel – Beginner to Intermediate

Build confidence with spreadsheets – from simple tables and formulas to practical budgeting and work-related tasks.

  • ✔ Entering and organising data
  • ✔ Basic formulas and simple functions
  • ✔ Simple charts and practical examples
Delivery: Real-life, step-by-step examples

Microsoft PowerPoint – Beginner to Intermediate

Learn to design simple, clear presentations for work, training or community projects – even if you’ve never made one before.

  • ✔ Creating slides and layouts
  • ✔ Adding images, shapes and basic animations
  • ✔ Presenting with confidence
Delivery: Guided practice with feedback

Financial Literacy for Adults

Understand money in everyday life – from budgeting and bills to interest, saving goals and talking confidently to banks.

  • ✔ Budgeting and cashflow
  • ✔ Understanding interest and fees
  • ✔ Building healthier money habits
Delivery: 1-on-1 coaching or small groups

Share Market Basics

A gentle introduction to how the share market works – for curious beginners who want to understand, not just copy tips.

  • ✔ Key terms: shares, market cap, sectors
  • ✔ How to read basic company information
  • ✔ Understanding risk at a beginner level
Delivery: Education only – not personal advice

Adult Literacy

Support with everyday reading and writing for work, study and life – delivered with patience and respect.

  • ✔ Reading forms, emails and letters
  • ✔ Everyday writing tasks
  • ✔ Building confidence step by step
Delivery: Highly personalised 1-on-1 support

Confidence Coaching for Adults

Gentle coaching for adults who want to rebuild confidence in learning, work or everyday tasks after a break or setback.

  • ✔ Setting small, achievable goals
  • ✔ Re-building learning confidence
  • ✔ Supportive accountability and encouragement
Delivery: 1-on-1 Zoom sessions

Learn How You Want

1-on-1 Zoom lessons
Small group workshops
Online, at your own pace
Practice tasks & real-life examples

Latest Insights & Articles (via Substack)

Understanding Depreciation (Beginner Friendly)

A simple explanation of how assets lose value over time, and why depreciation matters when reading financial statements or analysing companies.

Read on Substack

Market Cap, Sectors & Company Size

Learn what market capitalisation means, how large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap companies differ, and why sectors and industries matter for investors.

Read on Substack

Working Capital: Day-to-Day Business Health

A beginner's guide to working capital, why it matters for businesses, and how it links to cashflow, risk and short-term financial health.

Read on Substack

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Join adults who have rebuilt their confidence, skills, and independence with Unlock Futures.

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