Professional Upskilling Pathway

Explore Professional Upskilling

Professional Upskilling Overview

Professional upskilling programs offer professional development or continuing education to advance skills and continue growth within a career pathway. Some programs are offered by companies individuals are already working for to support their growth within the organization. Since upskilling programs often focus on technical employment-based competencies and skills, it is important to assess if your current or previous work experience is related to the content of the training. Upskilling can be provided virtually or in person depending on the industry or the skills. Upskilling can be done independently or in a group (i.e. employee professional development), and can be provided by or required by an employer. Individuals can also choose to upskill independently. Upskilling can be done by those seeking employment or by those already employed. Depending on the skills being learned, upskilling programs can take as long as a few days to several months or years. Since upskilling programs are typically used to progress into a more advanced role and are focused on skill development, career services are usually not offered. If using professional upskilling to advance in current employment, talk with your supervisor to learn what skills are most important for advancement. If using upskilling to prepare for transition into a new career, research the industry and review job descriptions to see qualifications. When possible, research people who are working in the industry you're interested in, talk about your experiences, and ask about what upskilling activities are most strategic for the career you're interested in.

Professional Upskilling

This short video gives an overview of what this pathway is all about.

Specifics

Cost

Up to $22,000

Typical Format

Online Only

Typical Length

1 week - 3 months

Time Commitments

Part-Time

Typical Schedule

Self-Paced

Payment Options

No cost, or payment due at enrollment

Possible Outcomes

Skill, certificate, and/or credential

Financial Aid Options

Institution or other private grants

Best For You If...

You are

Sure of the exact career you are training for.
Seeking to enhance your existing professional skillset to advance in your current career or transition to a new career.
Not looking for support to find employment.

You are able to

Organize your time and fulfill commitments independently.
Devote some homework and study time.
Begin & participate in training & classes any time throughout the year

You like

Listening to lectures online
Learning a concept and then completing problem sets
Reading on your own and then completing an online assessment
Watching videos through a self paced course and completing assignments
Skill assessments

Enrollment Information

Professional upskilling programs typically offer various enrollment options throughout the year depending on the program. Some upskill programs, like those provided by an employer, require no application. Others may require an online application and certain documents like a high school diploma or resume. However, most programs have no requirements or restrictions on who can sign-up to participate.

Application Type

Open Enrollment

Entry Qualifications

None

Academic Record

High School GPA Does Not Impact Enrollment