Free online classes aimed at those seeking jobs or updated skills

May 7, 2020

Now more than ever before, workers need to update their skill sets or retrain for a new career.

The University of North Georgia (UNG) is helping to provide resources and support for its communities to deal with the difficulties brought about by the unprecedented public health situation. UNG's Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) office is offering 10 free online courses to all. One of those even helps guide the job search for those seeking employment.

The Georgia Department of Labor said in late April it had paid more unemployment claims in the six weeks impacted by COVID-19 than it had in the previous four years combined. An average of 5 million new unemployment claims per week were filed nationally in the four weeks leading up to April 30, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

"Because levels of employment will continue to change as a function of the public health situation, there will likely be more job seekers and fewer jobs available than we have experienced in recent years," said Dr. Wendy Estes, director of PCE at UNG. "The Twelve Steps to a Successful Job Search course will likely be a high-demand course that can help displaced workers maximize their employment efforts."

People may register for as many courses as they want through June 30, 2020, and learn at their own pace. They will have three months to complete each course. Admission to UNG is not required to take any PCE course.

"These courses cover a variety of technical and soft skills that remain a particular focus of employers across all industry sectors and can support success as we navigate the challenges before us," Estes said.

Free online courses available through PCE are:

For more information about the free courses or any online course, visit the PCE webpage.