Remote working is all the rage since the start of the pandemic, and for years before for digital nomads, new graduates, and career-changers and entrepreneurs alike. There is no better time than right now to explore your options and the available micro-credentials. And what better way to get started than with industry-recognized, free online certification programs?

Building on new career development and professional learning initiatives to spread world-class, free information and opportunities, let’s dive right into the free programs from Google and Meta.

Grow With Google: Free Learning Resources and Certifications

Google launched its initiative in 2017 and has significantly expanded the initiative with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have industry-leading, free certifications available to provide tools and training for everyone, and they work with many community partners through a Partner Program through their employer consortium program where over 170 companies like Key Medium are part, and it utilizes Coursera to deliver its learning programs. Let’s jump into the specific Grow With Google certifications available, and how you can set yourself apart in digital marketing.

Their industry-leading certification programs include:

  • Data Analytics: average salaries start at $67,900 and there are 337,400 open jobs in the field of data analytics
  • IT Support: average salaries start at $50,800 and there are 340,500 open jobs in the field of information technology
  • User Experience Design: average salaries start at $58,600 and there are 113,700 open jobs in the field of UX design
  • Project Management: average salaries start at $59,000 and there are 475,100 open jobs in the field of IT

In addition, their free resources for entrepreneurs and remote workers alike include:

Meta Blueprint: Meta for Business

Facebook/Meta’s initiative includes free certification, free online courses, and learning programs. They have an employer consortium program which over 180 companies like Key Medium are part of, and it utilizes courseara.org to deliver its learning programs. Let’s jump into the Meta certifications available, and how you can set yourself apart in digital marketing:

Where will remote work take you?

Hopefully, this helps you or someone you know who is looking to level up their skills. For even more, LinkedIn Learning has a TON of free courses as well.

Please do share this with friends, families, and colleagues interested in upskilling to be more competitive in the ever-increasingly competitive job market. You can also explore this story of a successful transition from Academia to private industry in UX design for motivation, as well read this short guide on finding a good job on CO.CAREERS.

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Salary sources for Meta include Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, Indeed