Build New Skills, Confidence, and Career Opportunities with Expanded Technology Training

Instructor Casey leads in-person and online tech classes, but is also available as a resource for self-guided at-home learners.

Whether you're changing careers, re-entering the workforce, or simply looking to stay competitive in today's job market, learning new technology skills can open doors. Thanks to partnerships with Google, Coursera, and the Hispanic Federation, Association House is making those opportunities more accessible than ever with a growing lineup of free technology training programs designed to help Chicagoans gain in-demand skills on their own schedule—or alongside an instructor.

This quarter, Association House is expanding its self-guided technology offerings to include professional certificate programs in Cybersecurity, Project Management, Data Analytics, IT Support, Digital Marketing, and UX Design. Participants can begin these online courses anytime, learning at their own pace while earning industry-recognized credentials from Google and Coursera at no cost.

For Eric, the new self-guided IT Support certificate came at exactly the right moment.

After several years piecing together income through warehouse work, gig economy jobs, and day labor, Eric knew he needed a way to strengthen his resume while pursuing a much bigger goal: launching his own consulting business.

"I'm an aspiring entrepreneur," he said. "I have the foundation for a consulting firm, and this certification gives me leverage in every aspect of my job search and my career goals."

Determined to make the most of the opportunity, Eric devoted himself fully to the course.

"It felt good to finish this," he said. "It was very comprehensive, and challenging at times, but I could see how it could be the perfect launchpad for the next phase of my career."

The skills he gained are already helping him expand the services he hopes to offer future clients, particularly around Google technologies and artificial intelligence. With one certification complete, he's already planning his next step through Association House's Digital Marketing certificate.

For those who prefer in-person instruction, the House has plenty of offerings.

His advice for future students is simple: "If I can do it, you can do it. If you've got a little bit of time to commit, it's worth it because you can learn, get the ball rolling, and start heading in the right direction."

While self-guided learning offers maximum flexibility, Association House also continues to provide instructor-led technology classes for learners who thrive with scheduled instruction and personalized support.

Current instructor-led offerings include Digital Skills for Career Growth, Microsoft Office Skills, and Senior Planet, a technology program designed specifically for adults age 50 and older. Courses are available both in person and remotely, allowing students to choose the learning environment that works best for them.

For Sylvia, those classes became an opportunity to invest in herself after unexpectedly losing her position with the federal government.

"I thought this was the perfect time to really work on some professional development," she said. "I wanted to stay up to date and strengthen my resume."

Although she'd used Microsoft Word and Outlook for years, the classes still surprised her.

"I learned a lot of new different things," she said. "There were so many different settings and options that I didn't even know existed."

Sylvia earned her Microsoft Office Specialist certifications while preparing for administrative positions and nonprofit work, but she says the biggest difference came from the learning environment itself.

"Casey never made anyone feel bad for asking questions," she said. "That made it a really comfortable environment to learn in."

She's already planning to continue through the remaining Microsoft Office courses and encourages others not to be intimidated.

Whether you're looking to pivot into a new career, sharpen existing skills, or earn credentials that help your resume stand out, Association House's technology training programs are designed to help you take that next step.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with instructor-led technology classes beginning each quarter. Self-guided certificate programs can be started at any time, allowing participants to begin learning whenever they're ready.

Ready to invest in your future? Enroll today and discover how free technology training at Association House can help you build the skills—and confidence—for what's next.

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