Where to Find Free or Low-Cost Job Training

By  Daniel Bortz, Monster contributor

Let’s get the bad news out of the way first: There’s a real skills gap in the job market. A whopping 87% of companies surveyed by McKinsey said they are experiencing gaps or expect to in the coming years. The good news? There are low-cost and free job-training opportunities that can help you not only gain new skills but also sharpen the skills that you currently have in your repertoire.

Lacking sufficient skills is one of the leading barriers to employment, but it's also one of the simplest to address. Of course, to take advantage of these programs, you need to know who is offering them. Check out this overview of where you can find low-cost or free career training programs.

Uncle Sam

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, One-Stop Career Centers provide job training for people at different stages in their career, including internships, apprenticeships, part-time jobs, and full-time jobs.

These training centers, which operate in all 50 states, offer scholarships and financial aid to subsidize the education costs that are already relatively low when compared to private-sector career training services.

Also, the program’s website has an Occupation Profile search tool that lets you view what types of skills, certifications, and experience employers are looking for in a number of industries.

The Labor Department also offers a Trade Adjustment Assistance program that provides eligible workers who lost their job as a result of foreign trade with training, case management services, and support.

To qualify, a petition must be filed with the Department of Labor by or on behalf of a group of workers who have lost or may lose their jobs or experienced a reduction in wages as a result of foreign trade. Once the petition is approved, individuals are eligible for TAA training and benefits.

Moreover, the Labor Department’s website lists hundreds of apprenticeship programs nationwide, ranging from chef to dental assistant to pipe fitter. You won’t get rich off of these programs, which aren’t subsidized by the government, but you’ll hone your skills, gain hands-on experience, and have a leg up when searching for a permanent job.

Higher Education

Many two- and four-year colleges and trade schools offer graduates job training either for free or at a low cost; you may even be able to take these courses online. If you’re a college grad, check with your alma mater’s alumni relations or career services department to see what training opportunities are available to you.

Private Industry

One of the benefits of being a member of a union or professional association is that these organizations often offer subsidized or free job training. Contact your union rep or association’s board to see what programs you’re eligible for.

You can also find skills training at these organizations:

  • Goodwill: The community-based nonprofit offers free job training focused on equipping professionals with the skills and certifications they need to find work in today’s competitive labor market.Training programs can vary depending on where you live, since each state operates its own Goodwill center (e.g., only some centers offer training courses online). Contact your local Goodwill organization to find what skills training services are available to you.
  • AARP Foundation: Aimed at helping low-income, unemployed individuals aged 55 or older find work, AARP’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) matches eligible job seekers with local nonprofits and public agencies that offer skills training courses. The foundation currently operates in only 21 states. Check this AARP list to see whether one of the program’s many locations is near you.
  • SCORE: In conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE provides entrepreneurs and small business owners—or those who want to own a business—with free career-education and business counseling. With more than 300 chapters throughout the U.S., SCORE pairs participants with free mentors in their field, across lots of industries. (Mentoring is offered in person, via email, or by video.) The organization also offers free job training or low-cost local business workshops and webinars.
  • Online: There are so many sources for free or low-cost online classes that can help you brush up on Excel, Photoshop, public speaking, and other skills. You can learn at your own pace from your computer or mobile device.

Next Steps for Your Job Search

Low-cost and free job training can help you develop valuable skills that employers are looking for. But you also need to get noticed by companies that are hiring for your specific area of expertise. Need some help standing out from the crowd? Make a free profile on Monster. We have resources to get started on an awesome new career path.

This article is not intended as a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the professional advice of an attorney regarding any legal questions you may have.