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Your job can change, but so can you! Upskilling will help you stay updated on products, systems and processes and adapt to the new ways of working. You’ll also be more employable and increase your earnings potential! The good news is that you can upskill quickly and affordably.
Upskilling is essential
Upskilling is learning new skills so that you can be more productive in your job, progress in your career and keep up with all the changes in the workplace and in your line of work. It can be something as simple as learning new features on the latest version of the accounting software or web design program you use, to getting a diploma in an area related to your line of work. From neurosurgeons to office workers to sales assistants to chefs, everyone needs to upskill to stay relevant and current.
Although it can be a little daunting, upskilling has two big advantages:
- You become more employable as you learn new skills
- You increase your earnings potential, especially if you learn a specialised skill in high demand
You can also learn skills that will help you earn some extra income in a side hustle.
What you should consider when you want to upskill
If you are one of the 77% of people who want to upskill and adapt to new ways of work, make sure you take courses and learn skills that help you move forward in your career and earn more!
Before you upskill:
- Ask yourself what you want out of the course or programme, so you know what you are looking for when evaluating courses. Is it a new job, career change, promotion or something else?
- Ask your boss or HR team what skills they need from someone in your position as well as in the workplace, so you don’t learn a skill that you can’t use at work. Unless of course you are upskilling for a job change or a side hustle.
- Find a mentor or expert who already has and uses the skills you want to learn and ask them how you can best acquire those skills.
- Ask industry associations and organisations what skills, qualifications and accreditations are required, such as if you are an HR administrator and want to become an HR manager.
When you’re clear on the above, you are ready to start looking for affordable and effective upskilling opportunities!
Upskill affordably
There are hundreds of thousands of places and courses you can do to upskill, some for free, some for thousands! You want to upskill at an affordable price, without going into debt. These are some of your options:
Your employer
Your employer should offer training on new systems and processes and may offer additional courses you can take to learn new skills, either for free or on a bursary or loan scheme. Chat to your boss and/or HR department or learning and development team to find out what’s available. Your employer should also have details on any SETA in your industry, such as Bankseta in the banking sector. SETAs offer industry specific training and development and may assist with courses and funding.
Your local municipality or metro
Most metros and municipalities offer training courses for skills they need. Some of these courses and programmes will focus on the basics, others will offer more advanced training that can help you upskill. These courses are often free to residents who live in the area. You should also check if there are any employment offers or options attached to the course. Follow your local government on social media where training opportunities are regularly posted.
Top tip: Local and national government departments may also offer upskilling opportunities and courses or funding for courses.
Universities and FET colleges (Further Education and Training)
This is where your opportunities expand into the hundreds of thousands, but so can the costs. You can take online courses, in person courses, short courses, long courses, courses that cost thousands of rands and courses that cost a few hundred rands! For example, the Wits Construction Economics and Finance course costs R18 850, whereas the Sparrow FET presentation skills course costs R2 500.
For the courses that are in the thousands of rands ask your employer if they will assist or investigate bursary options. Universities and colleges should have a list or information on various funding options, including bursaries. Trade unions also offer bursaries, so investigate these.
Online institutions and platforms such as Udemy and Coursera offer courses from international universities, so you can learn from experts at Harvard University! Some of these short courses are free, but if you want accreditation and a certificate you will pay a few hundred US dollars.
Before you commit: Check with your employer or an industry expert that the course is relevant and the institution is reputable.
Product suppliers
There are free resources on their websites which have product details, tips on how to use the products and often videos. IT companies such as Microsoft and Google also offer courses that range in price depending on the skill and certification. Some courses are free, however, to obtain the certification it costs a certain amount , such as $165 for a Microsoft certification. Other suppliers such as Google may charge a monthly fee, such as $49 a month.
LinkedIn Forums, Groups and LinkedIn learning
There are over 1 billion members on LinkedIn, many sharing their expertise regularly. There are also groups and forums on the platform who share similar work experiences, review new products, and suggest ways to further your career. Members also publish regular newsletters that you can learn from. Join and become part of a group and you can learn about new skills, where and how to acquire them and the latest industry developments. You may also find a mentor who can assist you in your upskilling endeavour.
Top tip: You can also take courses on LinkedIn Learning. The first month is free, and there is a monthly fee thereafter of around $40, or you pay a course fee of around $30. You should also keep an eye out for special offers that LinkedIn advertises from time to time. Your employer may also have a LinkedIn learning account you can use to learn for free.
YouTube
Julius Yego from Kenya learnt how to throw the Javelin by watching YouTube videos. In 2015, he won gold at the Athletics World Championships and in 2016 he won the silver medal at the Rio Olympics. You can learn anything on YouTube! Browse, start watching and learning. You will find information on the skills you are looking to acquire and the how to’s of entrepreneurship. It won't cost anything.
Top tip: Before you take a course look at the course outline and learning objectives to see that it does offer the skill you need.
Other free options:
- Ask an expert if you can shadow and learn from them. Many industry leaders and experts are more than willing to mentor!
- Consider an intern/apprentice agreement that you can do part-time or after hours
- Listen to and participate in webinars on your chosen subject and field
- Sign up to any relevant newsletters that industry associations and leaders publish
Avoiding scams
There are online learning and upskilling scams! These are where you pay for a course, but never see the course or the money again, or where an unqualified, unaccredited person or institution offers a course. When you are paying for a course check that the person or institution is legitimate with an industry body, SAQA, or listed on local and international country’s further education sites as a recognised learning institution.
Become a lifelong learner
Some courses will benefit you immediately and boost your finances. You may also need time to put your new skills to work before seeing the benefits. But employers are always impressed by lifelong learning and commitment to learning new skills, so any course is never wasted! Build learning into your routine, once a week or once a month and you can have the skills you need now and for the future.