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Introduction to SQL

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Learn essential skills

Our beginner-friendly course introduces the key principles of SQL, helping you understand how to retrieve and organise data within relational databases. It is a great starting point for building data literacy and learning how to apply practical SQL techniques across a range of platforms.

Learn to work with data through SQL to support smarter decision making

Gain the skills to query and manage data using SQL and improve how you support business decisions. Our practical course introduces the structure of relational databases and teaches you how to write SQL queries step by step, giving you technical skills that are applicable in business, analytics or IT roles.

Learning objectives

Write SQL queries from the ground up
Use selection and filtering techniques to refine data
Apply functions to summarise and interpret data sets
Join multiple tables to create meaningful outputs
Build and nest subqueries for advanced data retrieval
Combine query results using set operators
Understand and navigate relational database structures
Apply conditional logic and arithmetic expressions in queries

What you’ll learn

Gain practical SQL skills that help you work confidently with data. This beginner-level course guides you through how to retrieve, combine and filter data using standard SQL across relational databases. With expert guidance and hands-on learning, you will build a versatile foundation that supports business and technical decision making.

Understanding relational database structure

You will learn how relational databases are organised, including the role of tables, columns, rows, primary keys and foreign keys, and how these elements relate to each other. Understanding database structure is essential for building accurate SQL queries, interpreting data correctly and avoiding errors when retrieving or analysing information.

Applying conditional logic in SQL

Learn how to control query results using logical and comparison operators. You will explore how to apply conditions to filter data, manage specific cases and create meaningful outputs. This is particularly valuable when producing reports, preparing datasets for analysis or supporting business decisions that rely on precise, criteria-based data extraction.

Writing clear and efficient SQL queries

Discover how to write SQL that is both readable and performance-oriented. You will understand how to use aliases, structure your statements clearly and minimise unnecessary complexity. Writing efficient and maintainable SQL code supports collaboration and improves response times when working with large datasets.

Validating SQL results for accuracy

Develop the skills to assess the accuracy and reliability of your query outputs. You will learn how to identify and resolve common issues, such as missing data, unexpected NULL values or logical errors in filtering. Being able to validate your results is vital when your work informs business reporting, analysis or technical processes.

What’s included

One-day of instructor-led training in a live virtual classroom
Interactive hands-on live labs
All relevant course materials

Key facts

Ideal for

Professionals looking to get started with data skills and those needing to interpret or build SQL queries as part of their role.

Prerequisites

No prior SQL exposure is necessary, though it helps to be comfortable using spreadsheets or data tools in a business environment.

Learning experience

Our experienced trainers and interactive labs create a focused, practical environment – so you can put theory into practice from day one.

FAQs

Our introductory ILX course provides a practical overview of SQL for those new to the language. It is designed to help learners develop real-world skills in querying data, supporting professional development and providing opportunities in data-driven roles.

How does this course explore how SQL is used in real-world business environments?

The course is focused on practical application rather than theory. You will complete exercises based on real business tasks, such as creating reports, preparing datasets and analysing customer data. You will also learn how to interpret business requirements and convert them into accurate SQL queries, which is a valuable skill in any data-focused role.

How does this course cover the structure of relational databases?

You will be introduced to the core elements of relational databases, including tables, columns, rows, primary and foreign keys and data types. The course also covers how data is stored and accessed through relational structures. This foundational knowledge helps you understand the reasoning behind SQL design choices. You will also examine how indexes and data dictionaries contribute to database management and performance.

Will I learn how to troubleshoot common SQL errors?

Yes. Trainers will walk you through frequent issues encountered by beginners, such as syntax mistakes, referencing invalid columns and incorrect joins. Through hands-on practice, you will learn how to identify and fix these errors. Gaining confidence in troubleshooting is a vital step in becoming proficient with SQL in real-world settings.

Does the course include any coverage of performance considerations in SQL?

While the course focuses on introductory-level content, it does introduce key performance concepts. You will explore how query structure affects efficiency, including tips such as filtering early, selecting appropriate join types and understanding operator precedence. These best practices form a solid base for more advanced SQL performance training.

What our customers say

“Course was informative and well paced. Instructor was knowledgeable and explained the concept in a clear and well thought out manner.”

Tony, Programmer/Analyst - Academic

"John was a great, kind instructor and thoroughly explained SQL concepts/commands alongside the use of multiple examples to demonstrate. He was very helpful in answering any questions that arose with detailed explanations and/or examples when relevant.”

Jessica, Systems Developer, IT

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