Three ways you can get digital qualifications from home

This year has seen the world move into a new way of working where digital interaction is paramount. The additional downtime we have at home has unveiled the opportunity to undertake online training and get digital qualifications, where you may not have previously had the time or resources to do so. 

This opens up a wealth of opportunities, particularly in the digital space. With additional time to access training on digital tools and learn new techniques, you can streamline your workflow, increase your efficiency and expand your skill set. 

Winyama’s Information Technology (IT) Services Coordinator, Tim Cable, is leveraging online learning platforms to further his digital industry knowledge. He has noted three key recommendations for anyone looking to broaden their skills using digital technology. 

1. Take up online training

When it comes to self-guided learning online, there are two major competing platforms; edX and Coursera. 

EdX has a strong partnership with Universities, which allows them to provide open access to their learning content online. This means that the standard is high, quite reliable and free to access. This is why more recently we decided to build the IMW Australia - On Demand using edX! Check it out here if you haven’t already! The only downfall is that the course quality of edX is slightly less than the course quality you would find on Coursera.

Coursera has a higher course quality and is considered more mainstream, however, it involves a paid subscription for access. There is a one week free trial period available and if you can work quickly enough, you may be able to gain an accreditation before the trial ends. 

Both platforms are great and I would encourage taking a look at both to find the best option for you. 

In my case, I have recently undertaken the following courses via Coursera:

• Google Cloud Platform Big Data and Machine Learning Fundamentals

• Cloud Engineering with Google Cloud

• Technical Support Fundamentals, and;

• A crash course on Python

For me, the benefit of learning via online platforms is the flexibility it provides you. There is no need to book into seminars or find the time to attend face-to-face learning during work hours. Plus, you can choose exactly what you want to learn and you can customise your learning experience. 

Additionally, online learning is a great way to increase confidence in the workplace. I undertake courses that both add value to my role at Winyama and provide me with new digital skills for my tool kit. The courses I completed give micro-credentials and certifications, which is beneficial for long-term employability. 

2. Stay current and choose a specialisation

If you want to work in IT, continuous improvement is important. The industry is rapidly changing with new technologies and operating systems frequently emerging. There isn’t simply one way of doing things or one recognised industry standard, so it’s important to stay current and informed. 

The best way to achieve this is through having a general understanding of as many different technology providers and softwares as possible. In saying this, I find it beneficial to have one software that you specialise in.

I decided to specialise in Google technology and I’m now a certified Google Professional Collaboration Engineer. Google has an enormous digital presence in the market, so that was an easy choice for me. But there are many other specialisations you could look at. I recommend visiting different tech vendor sites to see what their online learning offerings consist of. 

Find out more about online learning paths with Google. 

3. Apply knowledge in the workplace and find a mentor

I think one of the most important parts of learning is that it is followed up with real-life experience. My advice is not to underestimate the importance of learning how to use your new skills in practice and making sure you create a network of people around you who can guide or mentor you as you develop. You can do all of this via finding suitable work placement or entry-level job opportunities. 

Winyama IT Services Coordinator, Tim Cable

If you have completed some online courses before applying for a job, that might give you a competitive edge. However, there are opportunities that exist where you can do your training on the job as well. 

Winyama provides paid internships and traineeships for Indigenous students looking for work experience in the IT sector. The great thing about this pathway is that applicants do not need any prior work experience, it’s an excellent place to start if you are looking to work in the tech sector. Successful applicants have access to training, mentoring and a supportive environment to grow in their careers.

Want to work at Winyama? Get in touch with us for a chat! 

Is your business interested in an IT Services Partnership with Winyama?