Are there any free job training programs?

Job Training & Development Programs

• Answer:

  It's usually impossible to get a job without the skills to do the work. Employers need to be able to rely on their workers to help them get tasks done, and this often involves making sure they have the right job training. Luckily, both public and private job-training and skills-development programs are available to prospective workers to help improve or update their skills. Some of these programs, like apprenticeships and vocational schools, focus on skilled trades like construction. The federal government also provides assistance to workers looking to earn advanced college degrees. Vocational Schools and Colleges Vocational schools and colleges offer job-training programs in specialized skills like health care, construction, criminal justice and information technology. Vocational schools have emerged in America relatively recently and resemble precursor programs in Europe that focus on vocational education as early as elementary school. In the United States, vocational education is usually offered at the secondary or post-secondary level. Both public and private vocational schools offer a number of job-training programs. Private institutions tend to focus on skills in high demand, such as those needed in health care or computer technology. Microsoft E-Learning Program State governments usually offer job training and development programs to assist unemployed workers and students improve their skills. One of these programs called E-Learning is offered in Washington by Microsoft to help job hunters gain proficiency with computer software. These programs are free to job hunters registered with WorkSource in Washington and are conducted online. Training through Microsoft E-Learning is available to improve skills with Microsoft Office, the Windows operating system, technical knowledge for professionals and basic digital literacy. Pell Grants for Unemployed Workers The federal government also helps to provide job training and development programs for unemployed workers. The Department of Education awards Pell Grants on the basis of need to help those out of work return to school if necessary and receive advanced job training. Pell Grants are only available to applicants who do not already have a bachelor's degree. Employed applicants can also receive further job-training assistance from the Pell Grant program. Workers can apply for this federal program on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Apprenticeship Programs A lot of workers receive their training while on the job. Some of the time, this education comes through apprenticeship programs, which educate people in construction, repair and other related trades. Apprenticeships are opportunities where workers are trained by more experienced workers, usually both in their workplace and the classroom. Labor unions usually also sponsor or contribute to apprenticeships. In some states, apprenticeships are regulated by the state labor department, which helps to administer these job training programs.