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Things are changing quickly as tech impacts the way we work and play. Together with limited funds, it can get difficult to make sure you are always on top of your game for that job or the promotion you dream of.
This is why constantly upskilling yourself is very important and we're lucky that there are online courses that make certain skills available - for free.
When it comes to coding and digital skills you can try, here are four we thought were really great.
WeThinkCode_
Location: Cape Town and Johannesburg
This is a network of tech companies that have come together to help close the digital skills gap in Africa and democratise education. On top of the courses they offer, they provide access to employment opportunities at some South Africa's biggest companies.
READ MORE: Want the big job? 4 women on top of their game tell us how to get that seat at the table
If you’re looking for a software engineering course, WeThinkCode_ has a fulltime one you can do over two years in Johannesburg or Cape Town. We love that you don’t need a matric certificate to join plus it is directed at the youth so if you’re between 17 and 35 years old you can apply. Find out more here.
Codecademy
Location: Online
Codecademy is great if you want to take courses at home or in any other place of comfort. This website offers free completely courses for different coding languages, all you need is an internet connection and a computer.
Codecademy says these courses are based on the fact that technical skills are changing the workplace, so it is designed to help you up with digital trends in the workplace. These courses are also suitable for absolute beginners: they offer an interactive experience that guides you through each course, quizzes that test your knowledge, and online public forums for support. If you like, there are also paid for courses you can take on a pro membership.
READ MORE: LTE, ADSL or fibre - what kind of internet connection do you really need?
Umuzi
Location: Johannesburg
Umuzi is in a quest to address South Africa's high unemployment rate through its 12-month learnership programmes. The programmes are demand-driven with an aim to prepare students for tech and creative careers. What is great about this programme is that it also pays a stipend and offers a national certificate when you are successful in the learnership.
The learnerships offered at Umuzi include data science, web development, UX Strategy, UI Design and copywriting and multimedia. The programme is based in Johannesburg but offers accommodation to rent for those who don't live in the city. You can find more information about the learnerships here.
READ MORE: I’ve been retrenched and don’t have a job lined up – why I’m okay with it
Digital Skills for Africa - Google Digital Garage
Location: Online
This one is for the entrepreneurs and those who want to be pursue digital careers. Digital Skills for Africa by Google offers a variety of free courses about the digital tools that may help with school or your career, and boost your confidence along the way. The courses include tools to improve your interview skills, time management, long-term social media planning and building a strong online strategy among other skills.
After completing the courses the site offers a Digital Skills for Africa Certificate of Online Proficiency. This is where you can access these courses.
Have you ever tried or completed an online course? Chat to us here and let us know if you've tried any of them and how they've helped you.
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