Thank you to Paul Cecala from Cecala Career Consultants for a very informative presentation on the topic of upskilling, particularly where you can find opportunities to enhance your skillset.  More and more companies and employers are considering certificates, certifications, and work experience in lieu of a bachelor’s degree, especially for entry level positions.  Additionally, with the speed at which technology is advancing, it can only benefit you to keep your technical skills up-to-date and relevant to your job.  Looking for a new job or trying to get promoted?  The key may be having the right set of skills.  So let’s take a look at the concept of upskilling and where you can learn those valuable skills.

Benefits of Upskilling

There has been a big shift toward the “Gig economy,” where employers are looking for a specific set of skills to fill their positions rather than just general knowledge you might obtain for a college or university.  For those who do not work within a union, you can expect to need a new job every 2 years and a new career every 10 years, so it is critically important to make sure your skills are up-to-date to offer you flexibility when it comes time to find a new job or career.  The question that we should constantly be asking is “What value do I bring to my employer?”; if you are uncertain about that answer, you may way to look at expanding your skill set.

Training Options

There a few different types of training options available that can enhance your skills:

• Courses – A single course that demonstrates your knowledge of the skill.  You might have a transcript or badge of LinkedIn to demonstrate completion of the course.
• Certificates – Similar to a course, but at the end, you have a certificate that proves you took and passed that course.
• Certifications – An exam typically administered by an independent, professional body to prove you have the knowledge to do a specific job.  This can be the result of taking multiple courses before passing the exam.
• Degrees – completion of a series of courses from an institute of higher education that demonstrates your general knowledge of a specific field.

What option you chose will be dependent upon which specific new skill you need for your next job.

Training Resources

Now that we know what type of training we need, where do we go?  There are a variety of training resources available, many online, that can provide you with the content and proof you need.  These include:

• Coursera – provide free viewing of training videos, but require payment for proof of completion
• edX – provide free viewing of training videos, but require payment for proof of completion
• LinkedIn Learning – Available through some institutions and libraries or you can pay per course or with monthly/annual subscriptions.  Upon completion of the online course, you get a digital certificate and a badge for your LinkedIn profile
• SkillUP NJ (Metrix Learning) – free training that anyone in the state of NJ can take.  It is 100% online, but is not suitable for trades (plumbing, HVAC, etc.) or medical professions
• OJT (on the job training) – a federally funded program where the employer is paid to train employees while on the job to master a specific skill

The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development receives federal funds, through a variety of programs and grants, to provide training for NJ residents, including if you are unemployed.; in that case, they will pay up to $4,000 for 1 training program.  In order to qualify for any of the state grants for training while unemployed, you must be able to prove:

• NJ resident
• Unemployed at the time of submitting the application and on the first day of training
• Proof of legal eligibility to work in the United States
• Your unemployment specifics meet the requirements of the specific grant
• If male, that you are registered with the Selective Service
• Proof that you need that specific training in order to get a job

More Information

If you are looking to advance your career through skill development, check with your current employer about any trainings or professional development available through your institution/organization.  If you are unemployed, need help determining what skills to pursue, or need help finding a new job, please visit your local One-Stop Career Center.  If you would like a personal consultation with Paul, you can contact his at PCecala@cecalacareer.com.