Free Online Classes for Unemployed People

Unemployment is often not by choice. People who have become unemployed for any number of reasons generally are trying to get back into the workforce. Free online classes and courses provide learners with the opportunity to develop in-demand skills that can be used to return to a previous industry or start a new career path.

Online training courses come in two main formats: personal development and professional certificate. Personal development courses allow for learning without a tangible result, such as a degree or certificate of completion. Certificate courses often require payment to access and share your certificate, but there are free adult education certificates you can complete.

10 Free and Low-Cost Online Courses for the Unemployed

Learners looking to return to their previous industry or switch to a new career path can use free online courses to learn high-demand skills to help them qualify for new opportunities.

Online training courses are self-paced programs that use guided tutorials, interactive assignments, and quizzes to guide learners through learning modules. These courses can take just a few hours to several weeks to complete.

1. Coursera Career Success Specialization

Unemployment is different for everyone, but many must redevelop new skills to return to or change their career path. This program is a collection of 10 courses that take about two months to complete.

Each course has a different focus, including skills like time and project management, finance, and business writing. These skills are taught in a way that they can be beneficial to workers in any industry.

2. Coursera Programming for Everybody

Python is one of the most commonly used programming languages in computer science. This course uses Python 3, the most up-to-date version of the language. Coursera designed this program in partnership with the University of Michigan.

This entry-level course teaches the fundamentals of Python and uses hands-on methods to help learners write their own program.

3. HarvardX and edX Introduction to Computer Science

CS50X is an introductory course to computer science that includes programming languages like Python, JavaScript, and HTML. This course is the online version of Harvard University's largest course CS50.

This course is a self-paced program that can be audited for free, but learners can pay to receive a Harvard certification. It can be a great starting point for students looking to take other CS50 computer science courses.

4. Alison Introduction to Digital Marketing

Digital marketing focuses on internet-based marketing, including social media marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and Pay-per-click (PPC). This certification course teaches the basics of digital marketing to help learners develop new skills that can be used to apply for entry-level jobs at digital marketing agencies or to help market your own business venture.

5. FutureLearn Introduction to Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is an essential part of running a business in the modern world. Businesses that use data need to put in measures to protect this data, for both themselves and their clients. Beginners will learn skills to help them understand data science and what measures are put in place to protect data, like software development and web development.

6. FutureLearn How to Start Your Own Business

Sometimes the path out of unemployment means starting your own business. Entrepreneurship requires skills, such as understanding your industry, marketing, and information technology; it also involves understanding how to follow guidelines and laws.

This course teaches beginners how to develop their own business by making their ideas a reality. There are six individual programs in the larger 'Start Your Own Business' program.

7. Google Digital Garage Fundamentals of Digital Marketing

Google is the world's largest search engine and plays a large role in digital marketing efforts (e.g., SEO and paid advertising). This course teaches digital marketers the necessary skills to begin understanding digital marketing as a whole, as well as Google's tools for digital marketing.

8. Google Digital Garage Introduction to Data and Technology

Data and Technology are the cornerstones of modern business. Starting a new job will likely require data and IT support skills, regardless of industry. This course teaches learners the basics of data science and how data is used by businesses to inform decision-making and serve clients.

9. Saylor Academy Introduction to Business

This course is similar to traditional Business 101 courses at colleges or universities. Learners will study business terminology and vocabulary and work on how those terms are applied in modern business.

This course includes information used in global business and can prepare learners to work in companies or run their businesses.

10. IBM SkillsBuild AI Foundations for Everyone

IBM has been a leader in computer science for decades and they continue to pioneer programs associated with artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning.

This course uses the information and knowledge gathered through decades of work to teach learners how to use AI in emerging business applications. Learners will study the history of AI and learn how generative AI is being used to streamline business models and improve customer experience.

Are Free Online Courses Actually Free?

Yes, there are free online courses that are actually free, but the outcomes of these programs will vary. There are three main payment models for online courses: free certificate courses, free-to-audit courses, and paid certificates.

The free certificate and free-to-audit courses are free to take and complete, but there won't be a certificate in the free-to-audit courses.

Are Free Online Courses Worth It?

Online courses are worth it for most unemployed learners. Unemployment can make it harder to spend money on classes, but these free online courses allow you to develop new skills without spending money on college degree programs.

A certificate of completion can be added to your resume or LinkedIn profile to display skills to new employers, helping you stick out. These programs still have value without a certificate. If you want to start your own business, you can learn new skills for free and start your new business venture with diverse business knowledge.

Can a Free Online Course Without a Certificate Help a Job Seeker?

Free online courses can help a job search, even without a certificate. You won't have a tangible result of your learning, but you can still talk about what you've learned in a cover letter or an interview. Certificates are a quick way to display your skills, but you'll still be able to demonstrate those skills elsewhere.