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Selecting free IT training programs

Free IT training programs are an option for those that are looking to develop effective technical skills. However, there are considerations to see if they are the right choice forward for you. Lets take a look.

Considerations with free IT Training

Like anything there are positives and negatives to anything that is free and IT training is no different. We will start with some of the positives of this type of technical development.

Positives to free IT training

So anything that is free will often have some benefits. We will look at some of the positives first to free IT training.

They are affordable

These programs do not have any financial cost since they are free. This makes the barrier to entry for them as low as it gets.

Provide an experiential opportunity

Experiential learning opportunities are like trying a food for the first time. They let you simply see what it is like. If you are new to technical training in general a free IT training can provide you a window in them for you to experience. Also, you can do this with limited commitment.

You control their pace

Free IT training lets you learn on your own terms. It’s all about fitting learning into your life versus having to adjust your life and schedule for a more structured training program.

Some negatives to consider with free IT training

There are some drawbacks linked to enrolling in free IT training programs.

They may not connect to an overall pathway

Free tech courses are often very tactical, specific and short in nature. So you need to be careful how a specific free course aligns to an overall development pathway.

Your time is not free even though the IT training course may be

While the financial cost of free IT training programs may be zero, the value of your time is not. You will want to make sure that the time you spend in any free IT training courses is worth it for you.

Varying program quality

Just because a free IT training course says it is a tech training does not mean it will be valuable or effective for you. Just as a you have a low commitment level to these courses so does the authors of them. Meaning, these programs might be free but also just not good.

Low commitment might not be a good thing

Sometimes people believe that low commitment to a free tech or IT training program is beneficial since it’s cost-free and allows them to leave at any time. However, paying for a course or investing in a program can motivate individuals to work harder and be more dedicated to their growth. Remember, committing to something can accelerate progress.

Perception of free IT programs by employers

Many people take free IT training programs because they think that it will help them get hired by a future employer. However, employers might not put a lot of value on an easy to attain free IT training certificate or certification.

Some questions to consider for moving forward

Below are some questions that can help you find the right path forward for you with taking free IT training programs.

What is your ultimate objective?

There is a reason that you are interested in taking a free IT training program course. You will want to determine this before taking any type of training course free or otherwise. Then you will want to evaluate if this training aligns to this objective and helps you towards it.

Some of the more common objectives include getting a job in technology, upskilling to get a better job or helping you to get into college. However, every situation is different so make sure to understand your goals as a starting point.

Where are you beginning from?

Determining where your current level of tech proficiency is will help you to determine if free IT training programs is appropriate or not. For example, if you are completely new to tech, then maybe a free experiential based training is a good thing. However, if you already have proficiency and some skills then perhaps a different type of training will make sense. There are different types of tech assessments that can help with this.

What is your preferred learning style?

For independent and self driven learners then sometimes a free IT training programs are a good fit. These programs will often be recorded content that can be watched when you are ready, so if you are good with that then great.

However, if you like more engaging live training and development then often times free recorded IT trainings might be lacking for you.

How much time do you have?

Your availability both in time and schedule can impact the type of training, free or not, that may make sense for you. With free IT training programs you need to measure how much value they provide you for the time spent. This is especially the case if you have limited time.

Some suggestions for moving forward with free IT training.

So every situation will be different with whether free IT training programs make sense for you. Here are some suggestions that can help.

Learn how to learn tech

Learning tech is doable by anyone, but there are some nuances you should understand that can help you in your decision making in the discipline. BY doing this it will help you make the right decisions for free IT training programs for you.

Define your current objective

As mentioned earlier it is hard to know if free IT training programs are right for you if you do not have a defined objective or goal for taking it. Some make sure to be very clear in defining your short term and long term goals.

Measure your current skill level

If you are not sure of your current level of IT or tech skill then you should find out in order to help with your decision making. You can learn about different types of tech skills assessments and how they can help you with choosing free IT training programs.

Some places where you can get free IT training programs

If you thinking that free IT training programs make sense for you, here are some good places to take them.

Go to IT conferences

Many IT conferences will have booths where different tech vendors are selling their technology solutions. Their whole job at these conferences is to teach you about their products… for free. Be open with them that you are a student or learning, and many will spend the time with you. 

Now to get into these conferences—the larger ones can be expensive (not free). However, many local ones are free or simply the cost of lunch. Here is a good list of cybersecurity conferences for reference.

IT vendor webinars

For technologies or tech companies that interest you, go to their website or social channels and follow them. They will often provide learning experiences via webinars that you can join for free. Of course, they are usually looking for paying clients to attend, but if you are open and honest they will let you listen in. They will also probably answer your questions (if they are good ones).

Free technology certifications

Many technology vendors offer free IT training programs for some of their more beginning offerings. This can be a great place to start and can give you excellent insight you can build upon.

Free online training

Many online providers, such as Coursera, offer discounted or free online offerings, including IT training programs, that can help. Check it out!

Internships

There are different types of internships available, but all of them are free work experiences with employers. One thing is that not only are they free, but they may also be paid work opportunities.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are work-based experiences are the pinnacle of free IT training programs. This is because all the training is paid for by the Department of Labor or the employer that is offering it. Even better for you, these experiences are often much longer than Internships and can last years.

High school  IT training

Another great place to get free IT training programs for youth is at their high school or other public schools. The best way to learn about these programs is to talk with your counselor. While in high school, you can also get access to high school internships or high school apprenticeships. These 

Call your local 211 to get going with free IT training programs

These support services are offered throughout the United States and lets people call and get access support services including items like available training programs. Many of these programs are in technology including IT or other in demand careers and are free training programs for participants.

Go to a workforce development center

Workforce development centers are another great option for access to free IT training programs and opportunities. You can also call 211 for access to one or go to your local county websites for their locations. The whole purpose of these training locations is to get you going with access to free training resources.

Get started with free IT training programs

For many, a best next step is to measure your tech readiness in order to help you choose your next best step forward. Check out how to get our tech worker readiness score.