·         software developer

·         sales representative

·          project manager

·          IT administrator

·         customer service specialist

·         digital marketer

·         IT support/help desk

·         data analyst

·         financial analyst

·         graphic designer

In addition, there are four “soft skill” courses on 1) finding a job during challenging economic times, 2) mastering in-demand soft skills, 3) using virtual collaboration tools, and 4) diversity and inclusion.

To identify the right skills to offer the public, LI analyzed data on 690 million professionals, 50 million companies, 11 million job listings, 36,000 skills, and 90,000 schools. LI tracked trends for “in-demand skills, emerging jobs, and global hiring patterns” to develop a set of critical skills that will be gainful both now and in the future.

In developing the learning paths for this free training, LI sought to pinpoint the right combination of utility and accessibility. The 10 roles that emerged had to meet four criteria. They had to:

• have the greatest number of current job openings
• have steadily grown over the past four years
• pay a livable wage
• require skills that can be learned online

No Prerequisites, No Cost

In the past, obstacles such as money, time, and academic prerequisites could stand in the way of career training and advancement. LinkedIn’s training initiative helps job seekers overcome these obstacles. As previously mentioned, the learning paths are completely free, (although some learning paths prepare you for an exam and have associated costs and commitments beyond the LinkedIn learning path). And if setting aside time for training was once a problem, many job seekers can now optimize daytime hours, newly available due to lost employment. Unemployment thus carries a potential upside: allotting time for “reskilling” becomes manageable.

The upsurge in online learning opportunities means increased access to new career possibilities without going back to school. Unlike traditional college courses, there are no prerequisites to take these self-paced courses. Additionally, registration is not required to view the content. With fewer demands on money and time and no previous experience required, the barriers to entry virtually evaporate. LinkedIn’s training might be the right opportunity to seize now.

How to Access the Training

The amount of training varies by course. Average instruction time is roughly 21 hours. The customer service specialist course clocks in at just 5.5 hours, while IT support/help desk, at 34 hours, requires the greatest time commitment.

To explore or embark on a learning path, go to https://blog.linkedin.com/2020/june/30/helping-25-million-job-seekers-get-back-to-work. Scroll down to the list of 10 roles. Click on “Become a...” next to the role/s that you want to pursue.

Upon completion of a course, you will receive a certificate that you can post on your LI profile. This notifies recruiters, potential employers, and your network that you have upgraded your qualifications.

Beyond Skills

LI is offering a range of other resources to get job seekers back into employment, available by scrolling further down the webpage above. For example, LI users can access free interview preparation tools, including an artificial intelligence-based feedback feature.

The 10-skills training detailed in this article are actually just one component of a larger initiative by LinkedIn (and its parent company Microsoft) to support job seekers. Please see “Helping Job-seekers in the COVID-19 Economy,” a YouTube video in which top Microsoft and LI representatives discuss various training initiatives, including the 10 learning paths.

Rachel Musicante is a writer, editor, and technical communicator in Silver Spring, MD. She enjoys tackling complex topics and making them accessible to the layperson. She is particularly passionate about health and nutrition. She embraces healthy eating, loves to try out new recipes, and has edited a dietitian’s recipe and advice handbook. She also has a soft spot for seniors, which she cultivates in her work as an activities director, volunteer, and fri