Free Online Courses and Training Programs
Do you need to boost your skills or add to your credentials? Are you trying to move up the career ladder or even thinking about getting off it and doing something totally different for the next stage of your career?
There are free online courses you can take that will help you get the skills you need to enhance your resume and help you get hired. Also, some companies provide on-the-job training, while others will pay some or all of your college tuition.
Here are some free resources, plus more information on companies that provide training or tuition reimbursment:
Training Finder: You can use CareerOneStop's enhanced Local Training Finder to search for training in any career or industry in any local U.S. area. These aren't all free, but if you need help paying for training, the Scholarship Finder can help you with funding.
Amazon: If you want to upgrade your skills, Amazon offers over 600 free, on-demand cloud computing courses to the public on AWS Skill Builder in up to 14 languages. Learn more on the AWS Training and Certification website.
Coursera: Coursera has a selection of free online courses in various subjects.
edX: Free online courses in a variety of topics, such as data science, computer programming, and the humanities, are available on edX.
Google Career Certificates: Google offers flexible online training programs to help you fast-track to high-growth fields.
Grow With Google: Google Digital Garage offers free online courses on digital marketing, advertising, coding, business security, and more.
Microsoft Learn: Check out the free training, resources, and certifications offered by Microsoft.
OpenLearn: OpenLearn offers 1,000 free university courses in eight different subject areas.
Stanford: Stanford Online has free classes in health and medicine, education, engineering, and arts and humanities.
Verizon Skill Forward Program: This collaboration between Verizon and edX provides free career-building online courses and certifications focused on high-demand skills. Course options include AI, coding, cybersecurity, data analytics, leadership, and project management. Everyone over 18 in the U.S. is eligible to apply, and you don't need a Verizon account to participate.
Tip: If you’re looking for employers who provide free college tuition, here’s a list of 12 companies that will pay some or all of the costs from Investopedia. For on-the-job training, here are 25 companies with excellent training programs from Indeed.
Our Favorite Tools & Tips
Holiday Season Job Search Tips: With the holiday season upon us, don't be afraid to mention that you're job hunting or thinking about a change when attending holiday parties and events. It's a good way to keep your job search moving forward. And here are some more ways to use the holidays to help your career.
Chat With Jen and Alison: We've just launched a chat for paid subscribers on The Job Hopper. If you’re looking for job search, career, or workplace advice, feel free to pop in and ask a quick question or tell us how you’re doing. We’re happy to help!
Canva AI Headshot Generator: Do you need to update your LinkedIn profile picture? Canva has a free AI headshot generator you can use to edit your photo and turn it into a professional image you can use to enhance your profile.
2025 Minimum Wage Updates: Over 20 states and nearly 40 local state and local municipalities will increase their minimum wage rates on January 1, 2025. Here’s a list of the changes in minimum wage for 2025 from ADP.
2025 Increase in Overtime Pay Eligibility: The threshold for eligibility for overtime pay was expected to increase on January 1, 2025. That increase and the one that took effect in July are on hold because a Texas federal court halted both and reverted to the salary threshold outlined in the 2019 rule (effective January 1, 2020). The Department of Labor can appeal, but there is no guarantee that will happen under the new administration. Note: This doesn’t impact states which have their own overtime eligibility regulations.
More DEI Cutbacks: Add Walmart, the largest private employer in the U.S., to the list of companies rolling back DEI initiatives. CNN reports that Walmart is ending racial equity training programs for staff, evaluating programs designed to increase supplier diversity, and reviewing funding of diversity events.
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