Since the World Wide Web was invented in the late 80s, it has reinvented how we learn. It’s given us access to countless different ways to consume information, test ourselves, and get certified without needing to be in formal education.
Language, coding, and soft skills like conflict resolution can all be gained and certified online, and to add to this, there are lots of free resources that will boost your career without costing you a penny.
If you’re looking for well-respected, reputable education providers that will stand out on your LinkedIn profile, read on.
Why is it important to learn new skills?
Whether you’re fresh out of university or a seasoned veteran in your industry, there’s always something you can learn. Sometimes, skills are required in order to stay at the top of your industry as technology progresses.
It isn’t just technology that might spur you on to start learning a new skill. In certain professions, there are skills that differentiate the top candidates from those below. By learning one of these skills, you can give your career prospects a real boost. For example, foreign language skills can be hugely beneficial for people working across countries in a profession like sales.
New skills might also help to tease out better results from your team. As a manager, honing your soft skills through training can help you manage your team better with improved communication, planning, and conflict resolution.
1. Open Learn from the Open University
You’re probably no stranger to the Open University. Established in 1969, the OU is one of the world’s most respected open and distance learning establishments, providing courses created by a university faculty and providing a stepping-stone into formal OU qualifications.
Some of the courses are based on the full, fee-paying courses, and others are designed especially for Open Learn, which offers around 1,000 completely free courses. On successful completion, you’ll be given a statement of participation or digital badge (not an accredited qualification).
2. Google Grow
Google Grow is an initiative aimed at helping people gain the digital skills needed to thrive in today’s job market. It offers a wide range of free courses and certificate programs, developed in partnership with Coursera, that cover everything from IT support and data analytics to project management and UX design.
Whether you’re looking to kickstart a new career or sharpen your existing skills, Google Grow is a great place to start, especially if you’re after certifications that look impressive on a CV or LinkedIn profile.
3. Microsoft Learn
If you work in tech or are looking to pivot into the field, Microsoft Learn is an incredibly useful free platform offering guided training across Microsoft products and services. It’s built for learners at all levels in areas like Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform.
The modules are easy to digest and directly applicable to real-world scenarios. Plus, it’s entirely free, with optional paid certification exams if you want to take your learning one step further.
4. EdX
Big in America and, thanks to the internet, equally as accessible over here, EdX was founded by Harvard University and MIT back in 2012. Since then, it’s become part of 2U, Inc., but continues to offer many free-to-learn courses. This massive open online course provider operates as a not-for-profit and offers top-notch courses from the best universities across the world. Course materials and lectures can be accessed for free, while certificates or graded components require payment.
5. TED-Ed
We’ve all at least heard of TED talks, and while you’re sure to learn something from almost any TED talk, TED-Ed’s video courses are specifically geared towards education.
The informal education videos offer education on fascinating topics from Philosophy and Sociology to Literature and the Arts and Business, and Economics, as well as hundreds of contributors from across the globe. The site also features the TED-Ed Clubs, which are primarily used by schools and educators to help students develop presentation skills.
6. Reed Academy
Reed is a household name to job hunters across the UK, and their free online courses (provided by third-parties) are designed to improve CVs and help people flourish in the workplace. Eligibility for each course may vary, but once you’re signed up, you can register for online, distance and even classroom-based courses. Programmes include IT, Business and Administration, Health and Nutrition, Accounting and many more. Government-funded courses are available through Reed Academy, subject to location and employment status.
7. Alison
Alison.com is a giant of the free online course website world with 15 million students worldwide and over 5,000 courses available, so if you’re looking for something specific then this a great place to start. Alison’s aim is to empower students to improve their economic and personal circumstances and the community around them, so its goals are pretty noble. Alison.com is full of courses that you can study for free and pay a small fee to have a printed or downloadable certificate or diploma.
8. United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Of course, you’re familiar with the United Nations, but are you familiar with the free online learning resource they provide? Established in 1963, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research is the training arm of the UN and aims to increase the impact of global actions implemented by the UN through training and education, specifically in fields like Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), peacebuilding, climate action, and diplomacy.
The platform runs fee-paying courses (including Master’s degrees) throughout the year but also offers other courses that are completely free of charge to the public. Upon successful completion of a UNITAR course, you’ll have access to an Alumni Platform where you can connect with other graduates, a unique networking feature of UNITAR.
So, whether you’re looking to expand your horizons or improve your CV, undertaking an online course is a great idea. And, with all this additional time spent at home and the whole world at our digital fingertips, it’s never been easier.
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