Analysis: There are hundreds of free courses available to help you improve your skills and job prospects in the coming months
What do you want to improve your skills and job prospects in 2025? Are you poised to take advantage of this new world of work? Have you protected yourself from AI taking your Job? Do you want to upskill or reskill to allow you to take another step on the career ladder?
2023 might have been the European Year of Skills, but it’s not too late to develop your skills, whether you’re employed or unemployed. Regardless of your level of education, there are numerous opportunities for you to take advantage of in the coming months and most of them are free. There are so many opportunities that it can be a little overwhelming so we’ve put together a simple step by step approach to help you find the right course.
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From RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime, should we be concerned about Generation Z’s lack of practical skills?
First question – why do you want to upskill or reskill?
Do you want to use it as a platform for promotion, or as a way to formalise your experience and become an attractive candidate for other roles elsewhere? A note of caution; It’s important that you’re doing this for yourself and your own development. In a dynamic, ever-changing work world, we need to adopt a lifelong learner mindset and be committed to engaging in upskilling to keep pace with developments and make ourselves as employable and useful as possible.
What skills do you want to develop?
Forbes recently identified the most in-demand skills for the next 10 years. Digital and data literacy are high on the list, with creativity, curiosity and leadership skills not far behind. In Ireland, Solas recently published their National Skills Bulletin which found that business and administration knowledge (eg project management, customer service and quality standards) was the most frequently requested skill in 2022, followed by ICT skills and personal skills and development, such as teamwork, communication and assertiveness.
How much time can you give to this course?
It’s important that you are honest with yourself in terms of how much time you can give to this course. Do you want to dip your toe in the water first with a short course? Or are you able to take on a longer, more detailed course? Be realistic!
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From RTÉ Radio 1’s This Week in 2020, John Burke takes a look at significant skills shortages across the construction sector and how this will impact political promises to build more houses
How do you prefer to learn?
Are you someone who prefers face-to-face classes and interaction with other humans, or do you prefer the self-led online approach? Take an informal 20 question quiz to identify your own learning style first.
Do you want a higher education qualification?
The Springboard+ programme offers free and subsidised college courses at certificate, degree and master’s level. These courses lead to qualifications in areas where there are employment opportunities in the economy. There are also courses in skills-focused programmes designed to meet priority skills needs.
Where can I find out more about my options?
This Government website divides skills and retraining courses into a number of categories including free training for employees, PLC courses etc.
Digital and data literacy are high on the list of the most in-demand skills, with creativity, curiosity and leadership skills not far behind
Skills Connect is a series of free training and upskilling courses which can include work placements to support you if you’ve lost your job. You can learn new or extra skills that will help you get a new job in the same industry, or find a new role in a new industry.You can apply directly to the Skillnet business network that is delivering the course you’re interested in.
The Back to Education Initiative provides part-time education programmes for young people and adults. It gives participants an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. eCollege is a Government-funded online training facility which has a range of online learning courses available any time. Skills to Compete offers free reskilling and retraining courses which courses focus on improving your employability and ability to compete for jobs.
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From RTÉ 2fm’s Dave Fanning Show, Sinéad English from career consultancy Hilt on the green jobs available for those who want to upskill
Skills to Advance gives subsidised upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in jobs undergoing change, and to people employed in vulnerable sectors. It aims to give you the skills to progress in your current job, or to take advantage of new job opportunities. The programmes are free, 35 hours in duration and designed in a flexible way.
There are also a range of short courses available for those who want to upskill in the area of retrofitting, also known as nearly-zero energy building (NZEB). If you’re already a construction worker, courses can be between one and four days. If you have limited construction experience, there are longer courses of three weeks available. Many existing further education courses have been updated to include green skills modules.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
