SQL
SQL Introduction
Write SQL queries, filter and sort data and join tables. 2-day course for analysts, developers and business users new to database work.
Format
Live instructor-led
Hands-on, question-led sessions
Location
London NW10 or online
9 Station Terrace, NW10 5RT
Level
Introduction level
Small groups, hands-on, expert-led
Private / bespoke course
Select a date that suits you or your team.
Content fully customised. We'll quote based on group size, location and any bespoke material you'd like covered.
Book as team training Reserve a date for me 020 8269 4260Invoice payment available · Prices subject to VAT
Who this course is for
This course is for analysts, developers, report writers and business users with little or no SQL experience who need to query relational databases, extract data for reporting or analysis, and understand how to work with structured data beyond spreadsheets.
Prerequisites
No prior experience needed.
What you'll learn
Exploring the database design system known as SQL.
How to use SQL to improve business workflows and output.
Understanding the use of SQL to improve website output and end user satisfaction.
How to manipulate customer databases for effective SEO.
Exploring tools to build better client relationships, improving customer communication.
How to write code for an SEO database using PHP and SQL.
Understanding best practice SEO techniques and design skills.
Course outline
What you’ll cover
Introducing Fast Track to SQL
- Understanding course prerequisites
- Using the course format
- Browsing the course outline
Introduction to Relational Databases
- Define relational database/terms used in relational database design/ basic concepts of relational technology
- Understand why duplicate data is bad and hard to manage
- Contrast data architectures
- Logical vs. Physical Data Modelling
- Understand Entity/Relationship diagrams
- Describe the basics of normalization
Selecting Data
- Overview of SQL Viewer
- Using the basic SELECT statement
- Using a column wildcard
- Using owner and table prefixes
- Specifying textual vs numeric data types
- Filtering rows with the WHERE clause
- Using comparison operators: =,<, >, and <>
- Using Null/Nulls and inequality
- Using compound WHERE clauses with AND and OR
- Using IN and NOT IN to shorten SQL queries
- Using LIKE for partial pattern matching
Creating JOIN statements
- Describe join types
- Creating recordsets from multiiple tables using an inner join
- Using primary and foreign keys in performing joins/filters with joins
- Joining tables using ANSI-92 syntax
- Joining 3 or more tables in a single statement
Changing database contents with INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE
- Adding data to tables with the INSERT statement
- Introducing the UPDATE statement
- Using the DELETE statement/a filter
- Flagging records deleted as an alternative
Enhancing SELECT statements
- Ordering data
- Expressions in SELECT
- Renaming tables/columns with aliases
- Selecting computed columns
- Character strings in queries
- Aggregating values
- Getting row counts
- Minimum and maximum in a column:
- MIN() and MAX()
- Average and sum of a column: AVG() and SUM()
- Grouping query results with GROUP BY clause/Grouping data
- Other Aggregates such as COUNT()
- Using positional notation in GROUP BY and the HAVING clause
Connecting to a RDBMS
- Understand the Client/Server model for databases
- Basic concept of database users and permissions
- Discuss how database drivers work
- Creating an ODBC Data source
- Comparing performance (Access and MSDE)
- Query Painters
Introduction to Stored Procedures
- Description of stored procedures
- Benefits of stored procedures
- Incorporating procedural logic into stored procedures
- Examples of stored procedures for SQL Server and Oracle
Strategies for Web Database Access
- Understand limitations of the Web environment
- Discuss strategies for limiting data
- Next-n interfaces
- Limiting to n rows returned
- Performing dynamic searches
- Increasing selectivity using search criteria
Included
- Live expert-led instruction
- Practical exercises and workflow examples
- Live Q and A and troubleshooting with the trainer
- Follow-up support guidance
Frequently asked questions
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of my SQL Introduction course?
Yes, you'll receive a certificate of completion from Transmedia, demonstrating your knowledge and attendance on our SQL Introduction course. Our certificates note our Authorised Training Centre status.
Is this SQL Introduction course suitable for me?
This course is designed for people who are new to SQL or have been using SQL for a while but have never had formal training or who would like to learn best practice in SQL. If you are have any questions about whether the course could meet your needs, please speak to our customer service team, who will be delighted to advise you.
How is the content taught throughout the SQL Introduction course?
Our SQL Introduction course is extremely interactive. You will be using SQL throughout the day, working through examples and live projects under the guidance of our trainer, who will be supporting you through each step.
What is the recommended number of people for the class when I attend the SQL Introduction course?
For private classes in SQL Introduction, we recommend a maximum of 8 to 10 people from the same company in the class. Please ask our customer service team to help you find the right balance of people per class and the number of days training you need.
Should I attend the SQL Introduction course in person or live online?
For in-person courses at our London training centre, you will receive a warm personal welcome, your choice of the latest Mac or PC and morning and afternoon refreshments. If you prefer to attend remotely, rest assured that you will be taught live by the same experts that deliver our in-person courses, covering the same training content, using the same exercises and materials. A second monitor is recommended but not essential.
What support is available after I attend the SQL Introduction course?
We offer ongoing support to our SQL Introduction course attendees through email and by arrangement, phone calls. You are welcome to ask any questions on topics covered during training. Our trainer will always do their best to explain principles and help you with any issues you encounter.
Reviews
Just finished a bespoke course in Photoshop and AI. Learned an awful lot. My trainer was very knowledgeable and was very happy to answer lots of questions that I had throughout. Highly recommend.
Rachel P — June 2026
Gorgeous premises and lovely, knowledgeable team. I really enjoyed my course - the tutor was friendly and professional and happy to answer any questions and tailor the course.
Quadrotech — June 2026
The trainer was excellent. He kept the course interactive and engaging. The small sessions made it easy to get clarifications. The pleasant office is well situated, so easy to find and get to.
UNICEF — June 2026
Fantastic and super valuable training! Our trainer shaped the training fully to our needs, adapted, accelerated and deep diving when needed. I learned so much these past days with tangible examples.
Adobe — June 2026
The training was great, thank you. My trainer was very thorough with everything and I definitely left with new knowledge and skills. And thanks for sending the materials across.
Live Union — June 2026
Our trainer was great. Very knowledgeable and also flexible with adjusting to our very specific questions and scenarios. I learned loads and look forward to using my new Figma skills.
Adobe — June 2026
One of the better training sessions I've had in years. I highly recommend anyone who wants to learn more about Figma, but also any other Adobe Creative Cloud application, to take courses here.
Adobe — June 2026
I wish all training courses were run this well!
RPS Design — June 2026
The course was excellent - exactly to my company's needs. All questions were answered and concepts explained very clearly.
Hannah Griffiths — June 2026
First class - The trainer was extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions.
MOD — June 2026
We found the course very useful and wished that we had more time. I was really impressed by our trainer's expertise in software that's being updated very frequently.
Baillie Gifford — May 2026
Very thorough course and enthusiastic trainer who was very helpful and responsive to individual needs.
NVIDIA — May 2026
Excellent training session with a knowledgeable instructor.
Gallagher — May 2026
Great course! Instructor went at a good pace and broke down complex functions into simple steps.
Adam W — May 2026
The trainer's knowledge was very strong and he was able to answer all my questions. Admin staff were very friendly and helpful.
VCCP — May 2026
Very helpful, informative training. Relaxed atmosphere and felt very comfortable asking questions.
The White Company — May 2026
Our trainer was very approachable and knowledgeable.
Bond Pearce — May 2026
Learnt so much - great training! Thank you
John R — May 2026
Probably the best course I have been on. Very thorough and entertaining.
Cancer Research UK — May 2026
10/10. Incredible knowledge, AMAZING hints and tips - Tony is a game changer, made everything so simple to understand but taught us so much that will really change the way we present!
Broadwick Studio — May 2026
Need a bespoke course or group booking?
We train teams at their offices across London and the UK. Call us or email to discuss.