Boost your career in 2022 by taking these free courses

Ready for 2022?

The start of a new year is a great time to set new career goals. If it’s one of your goals to take control of your career advancement, then we’re all for it! You would likely need new knowledge and skills to help push you to the top. Here are several free high quality training programs to help you level-up:

ASCEND

ASCEND means Applied Skills Curriculum to Empower Newcomer Development. It is an online program that builds newcomer skills for employment. It has seven interactive modules that teach job readiness skills, preparing newcomers for onboarding and integrating into Canadian work culture.

This program is being offered for free by the Immigrant Employment Council of BC in cooperation with English Online as its Manitoba partner. It is ideal for those with CLB 6+ language proficiency and have previous work experience. Enrollment for the next batch is on January 17-23, 2022. Classes begin on January 31 until March 18, 2022. Registered EO learners can send an email to ivolchok@myenglishonline.ca to register. If you’re not an EO learner yet, it’s not too late! (Register here).

2020 IEC-BC ASCEND Testimonials

Microsoft/Linked-In/GitHub Learning Hub

This program offers free online courses to teach skills that are needed in 10 jobs that are currently in-demand. These jobs are: software developer, sales representative, project manager, IT administrator, customer service specialist, digital marketer, IT support/helpdesk, data analyst, financial analyst, and graphic designer.

Aside from the courses, the hub also offers discounted Microsoft certifications to validate your skills, as well as an opportunity to practice your tech skills on the GitHub Learning Lab. When you’re ready to apply for jobs, LinkedIn’s community and resources are available to support you.

You can go to the site and start learning right away. To maximize the experience, it will be best to have a LinkedIn account to be able to access all the courses, resources, and supports.

EDGE Employment Essentials

This program helps permanent residents and refugees with a language proficiency of CLB 4 or less to find employment. It helps clients by providing training and then matching their skills to volunteer and work opportunities. They train in four areas:

• Self-discovery – This is a two-week course to help clients discover their skills by reflecting on their life experiences, values, and personality.
• Barriers to discovery – This is all about goal-setting. Clients learn problem-solving strategies to help them overcome barriers to reaching their goals.
• Computer literacy – Clients learn computer fundamentals such as Windows 10 and Microsoft Office applications.
• Workplace readiness – This includes employment counselling and training in the areas of career exploration, job searching, and self-marketing through one-to-one meetings and workshops. Clients will also be coached on resume and cover letter writing, as well as preparing for interviews.

Learn more about EDGE Skills Centre and their programs through this link. Email gloria@edgeinc.ca for more information or to register to the Employment Essentials Program.

Happy learning and have a fruitful 2022!