In COVID-19 times, many of us dramatically changed the way we provide services, going from working in a physical office space to providing services remotely from our homes. For many, this change freed up some extra time to work on professional development and continuing education. And, we saw many the people we serve look for ways to use their extra time to revamp their skills and learn new ones.
Here are some great free resources for both service providers and job-seekers who want to expand their skills and knowledge. If you’re new to online learning, check out these 8 tips for effective online learning, and then get started!
Resources for Service Providers and Job-Seekers
GCF LearnFree
Training and tutorials on more than 200 topics, including computer programs like Microsoft office, graphic design, job search/career, and starting from scratch with basic computer skills. Created by the Goodwill Community Foundation and Goodwill Industries of Eastern North Carolina. Learn more about training and tutorials at GCF LearnFree.
Alison.com
Offers 1,000 free online courses with a range of topics from IT, Language, Health, Business, Marketing and Lifestyle. This is one of the biggest free online education and skills training resources available. Learn more about free online courses at Alison.com
LinkedIn Learning
Offers all the training content previously available on Lynda.com with topics like customer service, leadership, time management and a range of software programs. LinkedIn Learning offers a free month trial for their online training. Also, LinkedIn Learning might be free through your public library. Learn more about training at LinkedIn Learning.
Your Money, Your Goals
Financial empowerment training designed to help people meet their financial goals by increasing their knowledge, skills, and resources. Their free toolkits and consumer guides cover a range of financial topics including budgeting, debt, paying bills, and understanding credit reports. Created by the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau. Learn more about financial empowerment training through Your Money, Your Goals.
The Happiness Lab Podcast
Dr Laurie Santos takes you through the latest scientific research and shares some surprising and inspiring stories about happiness. Learn more about scientific research and inspiring stories with The Happiness Lab Podcast.
Resources Just for Service Providers
VCU Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Archived and Online Training
Archived webinars on a variety of topics related to providing Work Incentives Planning Services. Fully certified WIPA staff and community partners interested in receiving continuing certification credits for the training can select the "Take for Credit" option when registering. Learn more about VCU Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Archived and Online Training.
ProjectE3 Webcast Series
Archived webcasts on a wide range of topics to help improve employment outcomes and quality of employment for the most underserved groups of people with disabilities. Topics include a 6-part series on Social Security and work, a 3-part mini-series on trauma-informed care, customized employment, motivational interviewing, and more. 1 CRC credit is available upon submittal of webcast evaluation. Learn more about the ProjectE3 Webcast Series.
Work Life Podcast
This TED podcast series by Organizational Psychologist Adam Grant includes topics on burnout, procrastination, and reinventing job interviews. Learn more about the Work Life Podcast.
Resources Just for Job-Seekers
Building IT Fundamentals
This free online course teaches basic computer skills such as using devices like a mouse and keyboard, creating documents, sending emails, using the internet, and managing personal data. Learn more about learning basic computer skills with Building IT Fundamentals.