Whether you are in the job market, targeting a promotion, or exploring new career paths, free training opportunities are plentiful. So much so that it can be difficult to decide where to start or where to invest your time in these impactful learning experiences. It can be helpful to start with the end goal in mind and partner with a friend or career counselor to set a course of action.
Research What Employers Want and Identify Gaps in Your Skills
Look closely at target job postings and notice which skills are the highest priority. Some job descriptions might also list specific software platforms that will be required in the job. Check out the qualifications section for specific skillsets or certifications—oftentimes a job description will include both “required” and “preferred” qualifications.
Now that you have a list of desired skills, identify the gaps in your resume. Does your dream company mention a particular software used frequently in the position you want? What are the required or preferred qualifications that you have little or no experience with?
Set Small, Achievable Goals with a Personalized Curriculum
Avoid becoming overwhelmed with all the information you’ll find in an Internet search. Before you start your search, prioritize one skill you’d like to develop. What is that one line on your resume that, when added, will bring you closer to your dream job? Then, what are the top two or three other skills that would be a nice-to-have?
Consider Your Learning Style
Determine how much time you can commit. Think about a time when you enjoyed and felt energized by learning. Was it online or in-person, was it on an app, were there group discussions, writing and reading assignments, or more hands-on? Reflecting on your learning style will help narrow down which courses and learning platforms are best for you.
Free Online Learning Opportunities
Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions for all experience levels:
- Computer Basics from CGFC Global: Dive in now with the YouTube playlist here.
- Microsoft 365 Basics: Microsoft offers online video training for the common workplace tool
- LinkedIn Learning: Your library card may give you free access to a wide range of courses offered by LinkedIn. You’ll need your local library ID, library card number, and pin.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Platforms like Udemy and Coursera, to name a few offer intensive online courses with unlimited participation, called massive open online courses, or MOOCs. Completing a MOOC course may require a higher level of commitment, but you can expect an impactful curriculum from some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
In-Person or Hybrid Free Training Programs
Per Scholas: Providing free IT courses, learners choose from in-person, remote, and hybrid formats for IT certifications like Amazon Web Services Certified Cloud Practitioner to Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
State- and community-specific programs: Federal aid money was set aside to alleviate the distress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, much of which was deployed to states to cover training costs faced by people whose jobs were impacted by the crisis. Work with a local career counselor or librarian to uncover free training opportunities in your area.
Entrepreneurial Training: The U.S. Small Business Administration offers counseling and training for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs through a network of Small Business Development Centers. Find your local Small Business Development Center and navigate to the events calendar to find on-demand or live training opportunities.
About JFCS Pittsburgh Career Services
JFCS Pittsburgh Career Services supports job seekers and employers to create a diverse regional workforce. Have Questions? We’re Here to Help. Contact JFCS Pittsburgh Career Services at (412) 422-5627 or visit careerservices@jfcspgh.org.