Any sort of training, certified or not, is guaranteed to boost your CV and fill any gaps in your knowledge and skill set. Upskilling will also ensure that you are on par with the latest technological advancements in your industry and keep you up-to-date with the latest knowledge in your chosen field. Upskilling is one of the best ways to future proof your career.
Many professional mothers are looking for new work opportunities that involve more flexibility, and even a career change that lends itself to working in a hybrid work model. Some moms are finding ways to re-enter the job market after spending time focused on their children after taking a career break. There are also those who have lost jobs during the pandemic and are looking for ways to get a foot in the door. The answer to these above-mentioned scenarios is upskilling, or micro-credentialing.
Short courses are called micro-credentials (also called mini-qualifications or nanodegrees). A micro-credential is a skill that has been learned, tested, and assessed. You gain verified proof that you have achieved something from a skill point of view.
Below, we share some key insights to help you as you look for ways to sharpen your skills for work. You’ll also find some of the top learning resources that are either free or very cost-effective.
Upskill for the careers of the future
In order to upskill in your field, you need to know which skills are available or in high demand for the careers of the future. A lot has changed in the past couple of years, which means the workplace is very different from how it used to be.
As an example, if you are an accountant or bookkeeper, then upskilling in the cloud-based software used for these jobs today would be a form of necessary upskilling.
Another example would be that if you are a graphic designer, then gaining the new skill of web or app design will set you apart from other candidates when you’re looking for work. Any technology related skills are critical for the future of work in South Africa and across the world.
What are the critical skills of the future?
The South African government has recently released the latest critical skills list, which makes it easy to plan your own career path by gaining the skills you need to succeed. According to the critical skills list, the top careers of the future are in the fields of: engineering, ICT specialists, media and marketing, web and software development, science, accounting, foreign language speakers, artisans, C-suite executives, healthcare and technology.
Make a decision on how you want to upskill
Once you know which skills are available for your designated career or the career shift you are making, the next step is to decide which course of action would suit you best.
It is challenging to try and find the right opportunity for you, so, to keep it simple, we advise you to use these three deciding factors as you search:
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Decide whether you want to find a course offer that is more specific, or more broad and general on the topic?
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Are you able to self-study? Or, would you prefer to find something that is more like an online workshop, or a step-by-step, interactive course.
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Opt for a reputable company that has good recommendations. You can often find the ratings of a company on Google reviews or in the testimonials section of their website.
Use reliable sources
There are many different short courses and training offers available online, you just need to do one Google search and you’ll find a whole lot. There are a lot of available courses that are either free or very affordable and will allow you to go through the content at your own pace.
Tip: Once you have completed your course, be sure to add it to your CV so that you can start applying for jobs right away.
Below is a list of careers with available online courses and a list of sites where you can access them:
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Coding and computer programming: CodeSpace and Future Learn.
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Bookkeeping / Accounting / Finance: Cloud accounting is a sought after skill in these careers and certainly counts as upskilling. Have a look at Access free training from Xero.
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Digital Marketing: New certified courses are loaded regularly on Google Skillshop. You can also access Facebook Blueprint for more training in social media marketing and more.
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Virtual Assistants: Learn how to use Google Drive/Docs on Google Skillshop OR learn how to use MS Online Tools on Microsoft Learn.
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Website Developer: Learn how to use Wix, WordPress, Azure, Python and Javascript on Microsoft Academy.
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Software Developer: Learn about software fundamentals, database fundamentals, web application development, Microsoft Azure, Python, software testing and Java programming courses by enrolling in the IT Academy.
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Writers: Copywriting and content writing courses are free on Google Skillshop. Udemy also has some great courses for learning copywriting and more.
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SEO: Resources like Semrush, Neil Patel and other websites like Search Engine Journal offer incredible and free content on search engine optimisation.
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Travel Consultant: Learn a new language for free on Alison.com.
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Business management: Business and data related short courses are accredited by UCT Online.
The sooner you start upskilling, the sooner we can help you find the job best suited to you.
Are you ready to apply for the job of your dreams? Register on our award-winning recruitment site and fill in your detailed CV. When applying for positions, you will be given the opportunity to compose your perfect motivational cover letter for prospective employers.
