29TH MAR 2023
The Best Free Online Courses for a Career Change
Online learning refers to any form of education or training that takes place over the internet and is designed for mainly adult learners. It is a flexible and convenient way for adults to acquire new skills, advance their careers or pursue personal interests. It is a great way to get a feel for a new industry you're interested in and gain a respected qualification upon completion.
What is online learning?
Online learning refers to any form of education or training that takes place over the internet and is designed for mainly adult learners. It is a flexible and convenient way for adults to acquire new skills, advance their careers or pursue personal interests.
You might think that online courses are just for recreational use but you can actually gain a respected qualification upon completion. So why do people consider changing careers?
Online Courses at Gloucestershire College
Why do individuals consider changing careers?
- Dissatisfaction with their current job
- Seeking a more suitable work-life balance
- Pursuing a passion and personal growth aspirations
- Change in circumstances or job loss
- Possible increased earning potential
According to London School of Business and Finance, half of all workers in the UK, 47% would like to change career. (LSBF). To help give you an idea of the type of online courses you can take, we've compiled a list of the best free online courses for a career change.
1. Business Courses
An online business course can provide you with transferable skills and knowledge to advance in your career, such as leadership, management, and financial skills. You'll also improve your personal development by developing important personal skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication.
Online business courses can include Digital Marketing, Management Techniques, Business Administration, and Customer Service. Therefore it's a diverse choice for individuals interested in many different career pathways.
2. Health and Social Care Courses
Many adults study health and social care as they are passionate about making a positive difference in people's lives. The sector is a rapidly growing industry, and while some job roles spring to mind, there are many you may not have heard of.
An online health and social care course is a great way to explore this sector and see whether you feel it aligns with your interests and career goals. Additionally, due to the growing demand for healthcare services, jobs in this sector are generally considered more stable and secure compared to other industries.
3. Wellbeing Courses
Many people study a wellbeing course to invest in personal and professional growth. These courses can offer value to a career you're currently in or one you want to progress into by meeting legal requirements and creating a positive work environment. Individuals and employers need to support their teams across different practices and wellbeing courses are the first step toward this.
4. Leadership Courses
Leadership courses focus on helping individuals improve their communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills to become a more effective leaders in the workplace.
Every industry needs effective leadership and forms the basis of building strong teams. An online leadership course will prepare you with skills that can be transferable across all industries. You'll also learn how to create a positive team culture, nurture collaboration and teamwork and develop strategies for motivating team members.
Where can I study an online course?
Studying a free online course has many positives while being able to study around your lifestyle and work commitments. They are a convenient way to get an understanding of a career you'd like to do while also gaining transferable skills to use in your current job. Overall, there are many benefits of online learning that can really make a difference to your future career, read the article below.
At Gloucestershire College, we have a range of online courses with engaging digital resources, expert tuition, and dedicated support. Our free online courses are all respected qualifications and are flexible to suit you.
