Free Online Resources for Acquiring Job Skills and Advanced Training

In today’s tough job market, acquiring a new job skill may determine whether or not you land that new job or even whether or not you retain the job you have. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have the time or the extra income to take classes but now there may be some other options. Read on to find out some alternative and FREE ways to get new skills under your belt.

LEARN MICROSOFT WORD, EXCEL AND POWERPOINT PLUS RECEIVE ADVANCED  amp; CERTIFICATION INSTRUCTION ON MICROSOFT Applications FOR FREE!

Knowledge of Word, Excel and Powerpoint is one of the most desired skill sets especially in office oriented positions. If you have not had the opportunity to learn these programs and would like to do so now, here are a couple of options.

1.) Microsoft recently announced a program called Elevate America which offers FREE on-line basic, advanced  amp; certification courses. The basic skills course is a good starting point and gives a sound overview of how a computer works, the internet, wordprocessing (WORD), spreedsheets (EXCEL) and presentations (POWERPOINT), computer security, and what they call digital lifestyle (digital photography, music  amp; video).

http://www.microsoft.com/About/CorporateCitizenship/US/CommunityInvestment/ElevateAmerica

2.) Once you have completed the Elevate America Basics Overview course, you can obtain more detailed instruction by doing the outstanding tutorials in WORD, EXCEL and POWERPOINT. Don’t have these programs on your computer? No problem. Download a FREE six month trial offer of Microsoft Office for Students/Home at Microsoft.com.

Elevate America is also seeking to offer FREE on-line and instructor led advanced and certification courses through a voucher system administered by state and local governments. The program is currently being rolled out in Washington State but will be implemented in other states shortly. Check out the site for more details. http://www.microsoft.com/About/CorporateCitizenship/US/CommunityInvestment/ElevateAmerica

BECOME BILINGUAL FOR FREE!

In today’s global economy and with the increase in cross border trade, learning a second language may be a good career move. Luckily, our friends at the British Broadcasting Company offer FREE beginner through advanced on-line language courses in seven languages including Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Portuguese, Greek, and Italian. Check it out at http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages

TAKE AN ONLINE COURSE AT MIT, STANFORD, OR TUFTS FOR FREE!

This one is a little hard to believe but many colleges and universities across the country are now offering access to their courses online for FREE. You will not be matriculated and therefore will not earn a degree but will certainly improve you knowledge on a given subject. Additionally, you may impress prospective employers with your motivation and willingness to learn as well as your resourcefulness  amp; creativity in accomplishing a goal.

http://www.education-portal.com/articles/universities_with_the_best_free_online_courses.html

INCREASE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF GOOGLE ANALYTICS FOR FREE!

If you are trying to promote your website or work in or would like to work in an e-commerce job, then you may be interested in a new FREE online Web analytics course offered by GOOGLE. The course will provide instruction on Google Analytics implementation, administration, and analysis tools. Additionally it will focus on the elements required to pass the Google Analytics Individual test ($50.00) and receive a qualified Google Analytics Certification.

http://www.google.com/support/conversionuniversity/?hl=en

TAKE A FREE ONLINE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION COURSE

Whether you work for or would like to work for a small business or maybe even start one of your own, the SBA offers an impressive selection of online courses which may be of interest in categories including “Starting a Business” , “Surviving a Down Economy”. Moreover, you can try out ebay accounts for sale that you can use after learning a new language and sharing your newfound knowledge with other people as well. This way you can share your experiences online with other in the same field.