Category: Certification News
Upskill Academy at LearnKey
LearnKey ‘s Upskill Academy is an educational program designed to provide learners with the skills and certifications needed to enhance their career opportunities and increase their professional value. The Upskill Academy offers high-quality, on-demand training in areas like IT, project management, digital design, and other in-demand industries, helping individuals and organizations close the skills gap.
The academy provides structured learning paths for certification preparation, skill development, and career advancement. By partnering with industry-recognized credentialing bodies like CompTIA, Adobe, Cisco, and Microsoft, LearnKey’s Upskill Academy ensures that learners receive relevant, up-to-date training that aligns with current industry standards.
Key Features Include:
- Certification Training: Preparation courses for industry-recognized certifications, making it easier for learners to validate their skills and knowledge.
- Flexible Learning Options: Self-paced courses that fit into busy schedules, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
- Career-Focused Curriculum: Practical and job-ready skills that help learners transition to new roles or advance in their current careers.
- Comprehensive Resources: Access to video lessons, practice tests, interactive labs, and student workbooks to reinforce learning.
- Job Placement Support: Assistance with job search, resume building, and interview preparation to help learners find employment opportunities after completing the courses.
LearnKey’s Upskill Academy is ideal for career changers, lifelong learners, and professionals looking to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving job market.
Upskill Academy: The Gateway to Professional Development and Career Growth
Introduction to Upskill Academy
The concept of lifelong learning and continuous professional development has never been more critical. In an era of rapid technological advancements and ever-evolving industry demands, professionals must stay ahead by regularly updating their skills. This is where LearnKey’s Upskill Academy comes into play, providing an innovative platform for career enhancement. The Upskill Academy is a comprehensive training solution that offers professionals the tools, knowledge, and certifications required to thrive in today’s competitive job market. The Upskill Academy empowers individuals and organizations by delivering high-quality, flexible learning paths that cater to various career needs and aspirations.
The Upskill Academy addresses a critical gap in professional development by offering tailored training programs that bridge the skills gap between current competencies and future needs. Whether you want to expand your technical skills, improve your soft skills, or gain industry-recognized certifications, LearnKey ‘s Upskill Academy has a pathway for you. This article will delve into the unique offerings of the Upskill Academy, highlighting its benefits, courses, and role in supporting career growth and organizational success.
Why Upskill Academy is Important for Career Growth
The job landscape is continuously changing with the increasing automation and digitization of industries. Traditional education may not always equip professionals with the skills needed for emerging roles. The Upskill Academy fills this void by providing a structured yet flexible approach to continuous learning, ensuring learners remain adaptable and competitive. It is essential for new graduates and seasoned professionals looking to pivot or advance in their careers.
The Upskill Academy focuses on hard and soft skills, which are crucial for today’s professional environment. Courses are structured to help learners gain proficiency in various domains, such as technology, business, and communication. The Upskill Academy validates new skills and knowledge by offering certifications and micro-credentials, making it easier for professionals to showcase their expertise to current or potential employers.
Furthermore, the Upskill Academy emphasizes practical application through project-based learning, interactive simulations, and real-world scenarios. This approach ensures that learners acquire theoretical knowledge and develop the sensible expertise required to apply what they’ve learned in their jobs.
Key Features of LearnKey’s Upskill Academy
The Upskill Academy stands out because of its unique blend of high-quality content, flexibility, and career-focused learning paths. Here’s what makes the Upskill Academy a game-changer in professional development:
1. Customized Learning Paths
The Upskill Academy offers customized learning paths based on individual or organizational needs. Learners can choose from predefined tracks or work with LearnKey experts to create a personalized learning journey. This customization allows professionals to target specific skill gaps, ensuring that training aligns with their career goals.
2. Flexible Learning Options
The Upskill Academy understands that professionals often juggle multiple responsibilities. Its courses are designed to be accessible anytime, anywhere, and on any device. Learners can progress through modules at their own pace, making balancing learning with work and personal commitments easier.
3. Industry-Recognized Certifications
The Upskill Academy provides access to industry-recognized certifications from reputable organizations such as CompTIA, Microsoft, Adobe, and Cisco. These certifications validate the skills learned, making learners more attractive to employers.
4. Expert Instructors and Support
Subject matter experts with years of industry experience lead all courses at the Upskill Academy. The instructors bring real-world insights into the learning process, making complex topics easier to understand. Additionally, learners have access to a robust support system that includes mentors and career advisors.
5. Practical Application and Hands-On Learning
One of the key differentiators of the Upskill Academy is its focus on hands-on learning. Through interactive labs, simulations, and project-based assignments, learners gain the practical skills needed to solve real-world problems.
6. Ongoing Skill Assessments and Feedback
The Upskill Academy incorporates regular skill assessments to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Learners receive continuous feedback, which helps refine their skills and ensures they are on track to achieve their learning objectives.
Benefits of Enrolling in the Upskill Academy
1. Increased Career Opportunities
With the rapid pace of technological advancements, professionals need to update their skill sets to stay relevant continuously. Enrolling in the Upskill Academy provides access to a broad spectrum of courses that cover emerging technologies and industry trends, making it easier for learners to adapt to changing job roles.
2. Enhanced Earning Potential
Professionals with up-to-date skills and certifications tend to have higher earning potential. By completing courses and earning certifications through the Upskill Academy, learners can significantly boost their market value and negotiate better salaries and positions.
3. Improved Job Security
The Upskill Academy equips learners with the skills to remain valuable assets to their organizations. Continuous learning demonstrates a commitment to professional growth, making employees more likely to be retained during organizational shifts or economic downturns.
4. Better Adaptability to New Roles
As industries evolve, so do job requirements. The Upskill Academy prepares learners to pivot into new roles by offering specialized courses in high-demand areas such as data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and project management.
Popular Courses Offered by the Upskill Academy
The Upskill Academy offers a diverse range of courses that cater to various industries and professional roles. Some of the most popular courses include:
1. CompTIA Certification Courses
These courses cover essential IT skills, from foundational knowledge to advanced cybersecurity techniques. The CompTIA A+ and Security+ certifications are prevalent among IT professionals looking to enhance their technical skills.
2. Microsoft Office and Azure Certifications
LearnKey’s Microsoft Office courses focus on improving productivity by mastering applications like Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. The Microsoft Azure courses, on the other hand, delve into cloud computing, data management, and security.
3. Adobe Creative Suite Certifications
For creative professionals, the Adobe Creative Suite courses offer training in software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, preparing learners for graphic design, marketing, and digital media roles.
4. Project Management Certifications
The Upskill Academy also offers training in project management methodologies, including PMP and Agile certifications, which are critical for professionals in leadership and management roles.
5. Leadership and Soft Skills Development
Beyond technical skills, the Upskill Academy provides leadership, communication, and team-building courses. These courses are designed to enhance soft skills, which are just as crucial as technical expertise in today’s workplace.
How the Upskill Academy Supports Organizational Growth
Organizations looking to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market must invest in their workforce’s continuous learning. The Upskill Academy helps organizations create a learning culture by offering scalable training solutions that align with business goals. This helps bridge the skills gap and boosts employee engagement and retention.
Companies can leverage the Upskill Academy to upskill their current workforce, prepare teams for new projects, or onboard new hires more efficiently. With tailored learning paths, companies can ensure that every employee receives the training they need to perform at their best.
A Success Story: How Upskill Academy Transformed Careers
One of the Upskill Academy’s greatest strengths is its ability to transform careers. Take the case of a mid-career professional who transitioned from a non-technical role into IT support. By enrolling in LearnKey’s CompTIA Certification courses through the Upskill Academy, they gained the skills and certification required to land a new role in IT. The program’s flexibility and targeted learning paths enabled them to study while maintaining their full-time jobs, demonstrating how the Upskill Academy empowers professionals to pursue new opportunities.
Why Choose LearnKey’s Upskill Academy?
LearnKey’s Upskill Academy stands out due to its holistic approach to professional development. It combines high-quality content, expert instruction, and flexible learning options to provide an unparalleled learning experience. Additionally, the certification focus ensures learners can validate their skills and stand out in the job market.
Whether you want to advance your career or an organization aiming to build a more skilled workforce, the Upskill Academy offers a solution tailored to your needs.
Choosing LearnKey’s Upskill Academy Today
Ready to take your career to the next level? Enroll in LearnKey’s Upskill Academy today and gain access to a world of learning opportunities that will prepare you for future success. Visit LearnKey’s Upskill Academy to explore courses and get started on your learning journey.
Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap at LearnKey
What is a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap?
A Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap is a strategic guide that outlines the certifications professionals should pursue to advance in their cybersecurity careers. The Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap typically begins with entry-level certifications, progresses to intermediate options, and culminates in advanced credentials that validate specialized expertise. The roadmap helps individuals navigate the complex landscape of certifications, ensuring they gain the knowledge and skills needed to secure digital environments effectively.
The Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap is essential for career progression as it aligns certifications with the professional development stages of cybersecurity roles. When researching jobs in cybersecurity, people often ask if the role can grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the Employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 32 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
Whether you aim to start as a security analyst or progress to a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), a well-structured Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap ensures that your learning and experience align with industry demands and career goals. By following this roadmap, professionals can systematically build their expertise while staying competitive in a constantly evolving field.
Steps to Building a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap
Building a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap involves assessing your current skill level and determining your career goals. At the beginning of the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap, you’ll typically encounter certifications like CompTIA Security+ or the Certified Cybersecurity Technician (CCT) by (ISC)², which lay the foundation for understanding network security, risk management, and incident response. These certifications are essential steppingstones in any comprehensive Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap.
As you gain experience, your Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap will guide you to more intermediate certifications like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate. These credentials delve deeper into penetration testing, ethical hacking, and security operations. The Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap then leads to advanced certifications like the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), which prepare you for leadership roles. This progression within the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap ensures that you build the technical and strategic skills needed for high-impact positions in the cybersecurity industry.
Resources for Building a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap
Leveraging the right resources is crucial when following a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap. Platforms like LearnKey are integral to this process, offering structured courses and training that align with each Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap stage. LearnKey provides expert-led courses that prepare students for certifications ranging from entry-level to advanced, making it easier to navigate your Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap efficiently and effectively.
Beyond educational platforms, professional communities and forums are valuable resources that can enhance your journey through the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap. Engaging with peers and industry experts helps you gain insights and stay updated on emerging trends. Practical experience is another critical component of the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap; utilizing virtual labs and setting up test environments can provide hands-on skills indispensable for certification exams. Incorporating these resources into your Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap ensures comprehensive preparation and career success.
LearnKey Makes It Easy to Build Your Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap
LearnKey simplifies the process of navigating a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap by offering tailored learning paths that are aligned with industry needs. From beginners to experienced professionals, LearnKey’s programs are designed to meet the needs of anyone following a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap. The courses provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience crucial for passing certification exams and advancing along your chosen Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap.
What sets LearnKey apart is its flexibility within the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap. With options for self-paced learning, instructor-led training, and job placement support, LearnKey ensures that every step of your Roadmap is supported. Whether transitioning from another field or seeking to climb the career ladder, LearnKey’s guidance and resources make your Roadmap more manageable and effective.
Get a LearnKey Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap: First Steps
The first step to start your journey with a LearnKey Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap is understanding your career aspirations. The Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap at LearnKey begins with evaluating your current skills and identifying the best certifications that align with your goals. Whether you’re interested in a technical role focused on ethical hacking or a leadership position managing security operations, the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap will guide you toward the most relevant certifications.
Once you’ve identified your goals, LearnKey’s Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap offers customized training programs with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel. With resources such as expert instructors, study guides, and practice exams, LearnKey ensures you are well-prepared at every stage of your Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap. As you progress through this roadmap, LearnKey’s support services, including job placement, help you transition seamlessly into roles that match your newly acquired certifications.
What Options Can I Expect Along My Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap?
The options available within a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap depend on your interests and career objectives. For those focusing on offensive security, the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap includes certifications like the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) and Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE), emphasizing penetration testing and exploit development. If cloud security is your focus, the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap features the Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), which specializes in securing cloud infrastructures.
For those aspiring to leadership roles, the Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap offers pathways that include certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). These credentials focus on governance, risk management, and compliance, which are critical for senior positions. By exploring these options through LearnKey, you can build a Cybersecurity Certifications Roadmap that aligns perfectly with your career aspirations.
Certiport IT Specialist: Unlocking Your Path to IT Excellence
In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, having a certification that validates your skills and knowledge is crucial. The Certiport IT Specialist certification is designed to do just that, providing a robust framework for individuals seeking to establish or advance their careers in information technology. This article explores the benefits, courses, and opportunities of becoming a Certiport IT Specialist.
What is a Certiport IT Specialist?
The Certiport IT Specialist certification is a globally recognized credential demonstrating proficiency in essential IT skills. Certiport, a leading provider of certification exam development, delivery, and program management services, offers this certification to help individuals prove their capabilities in various IT domains.
Benefits of Becoming a Certiport IT Specialist
- Industry Recognition: Certiport IT Specialist certifications are acknowledged by employers worldwide, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
- Skill Validation: This certification verifies your knowledge and skills in critical IT areas, making you a more attractive candidate for IT roles.
- Career Advancement: With a Certiport certification, you can pursue higher-level positions and increase your earning potential.
IT Specialist Courses Offered by Certiport
Certiport has a partnership agreement with LearnKey, which has created Certiport IT Specialist online courses for all the Certiport IT Specialist certification exams. It is beneficial for those wanting to become certified to take courses that cover the domain objectives. The LearnKey IT Specialist courses are designed to provide comprehensive knowledge so you get approved and can utilize the practical skills you have obtained so you are ready for a career in the IT industry.
Topics the Certiport IT Specialist Course Covers:
- Networking: This course covers networking fundamentals, including network architecture, protocols, and security. It prepares candidates for roles such as network administrator and network engineer.
- Cybersecurity: The course focuses on protecting systems, networks, and data from cyberthreat. This course is essential for aspiring cybersecurity analysts and IT security specialists.
- Cloud Computing: This program provides knowledge about cloud services, architecture, and deployment models. It is ideal for those looking to specialize in cloud technologies.
- IT Support and Troubleshooting: LearnKey instructors teach the basics of providing technical support, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and customer service skills.
- Programming and Development: This course introduces programming languages and development methodologies suitable for future software developers and IT project managers.
Why Choose Certiport IT Specialist Courses Powered by LearnKey?
IT Specialist courses are tailored to meet the needs of both beginners and experienced professionals. They offer:
Hands-On Learning: Practical exercises and labs to ensure candidates gain real-world experience.
Flexible Learning Paths: Online and in-person options to accommodate different learning preferences and schedules.
Expert Instructors: Courses are taught by experienced professionals with deep knowledge of the subject matter.
How to Get Started with Certiport IT Specialist Courses
To begin your journey towards becoming a Certiport IT Specialist, follow these steps:
- Choose Your Path: Decide which area of IT you want to specialize in and select the corresponding courses. You can use LearnKey’s free IT knowledge survey if you need assistance.
- Enroll in Courses: Adult learners can register for IT Specialist courses through LearnKey.com, an official partner with Certiport. Note that if you are a school, contact Certiport directly.
- Study and Practice: Dedicate time to studying the course materials and complete all practical exercises.
- Take the Exam: Schedule the Certiport IT Specialist certification exam. Passing this exam will earn you the certification.
Conclusion
The Certiport IT Specialist certification is a valuable asset for anyone looking to establish or advance a career in information technology. By completing the IT Specialist courses, you gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in various IT roles. LearnKey and Certiport provide the resources and recognition you need to thrive in the IT industry, whether just starting or looking to enhance your existing skills.
LearnKey “Powers-up” Online Continuing Education Programs
Now more than ever corporate customers are coming to LearnKey to power-up their online continuing education programs for their employee’s, leadership teams and owners.
Organizations are scrambling to implement programs so they can keep their existing employee’s and lure in new talent as every company is challenged to maintain and add staff. Here are a few of our offerings that make up our Enterprise Development Solutions which we customize for each client:
- Continuing Education Solution: Here is a good read on how important offering continuing education programs to upskill employee’s is as now considered a big part of employee benefits. That is why just learning how to learn online is also an important skill to obtain forever more. Companies are moving away from in person training and knowing how to learn online is the future.
- Pre-Hire Academy Solution: This is somewhat new and “out of the box” and if done right can not only attract/pre-qualify candidates – it can be a nice good faith of “corporate social responsibility” by offering education/training that leads to a job within communities. Instead of using the same old traditional job boards for acquiring new talent. Offer it to those that have the willingness to learn a skill.
- Vocational Readiness Programs: Here is where we have a huge advantage over our competitors. We have corporate customers on that our on boarding this month who utilize LearnKey signature courses to create an offering they administer and offer their customers. LearnKey also has their open enrollment program available to anyone.
- Employability Services: Organizations utilizing any of the above solutions are keen on utilizing our services and assistance with job leads, mock interviews, and resume tips. Additionally, they like having resources to tap into from time to time when it comes to placement assistance for students who graduate from our certification programs.
These are the core education as a service (EaaS) offerings we provide along with our behavioral foundation, which drives a truly successful learning experience.
These are very interesting times in how important continuous education is for our country. We have millions of adults who ware lacking skills for todays in demand jobs. Let’s get them certified.
Azure AI Fundamentals Course (AI-900) a first of many to come
We are excited to announce the release of our new Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) course, our first in our Azure Series of courses.
Here is a quick clip and notice the HD video quality makes for a great preview and also learn more about Object Detection.
LearnKey’s Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) course is an introduction to building artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning models. The course also covers basic AI concepts, giving those who take this course an increase in skills needed to land an introductory AI-based job.
Specific exam topics include AI workloads and considerations, fundamental principles of machine learning, computer vision workloads, Natural Language Processing (NLP) workloads, and conversational AI workloads.
This course offers a web version for all labs and assessments to accommodate students accessing the courseware remotely on Chromebooks.
Also included are LearnKey’s: Student workbook (PDF) with additional projects, activities, glossary key terms and definitions to help reinforce learning. Teacher workbook (PDF) with answer keys, lesson plans and short cut keys ensure instructors have everything they need for in the classroom . With a course Total Time of 25 Hours and the supplemental materials its a great way to begin your AI certification credentials.
As for job demand the outlook is really good. Globally AI/Machine learning jobs are projected to be worth almost $31 billion by 2024. That’s an annual growth rate of more than 40% over a six-year period.
Those statistics underscore the need for machine learning talent, and if you’re willing to put in the work, you could be on your way to a great new career.
Information Technology Specialist Certification by Certiport- Will be a winner
It is so important for students and adult learners to be able to validate their Digital Literacy/fluency and IT skills these days. Today we hear allot about the skills gap or “middle skills” gap. It is real and we see it everyday in our business.
That is why our workforce learning solutions align to addressing the training, practice and certifications necessary to be successful. These are the skills (IT and Customer Service) needed in todays workforce.
According to the National Skills Coalition, while middle-skill jobs make up the majority of the U.S. labor market, just 43% of workers are currently trained to the middle-skill level.
Recently our partners at Certiport launched the Information Technology Specialist Certification and it is going to be a winner. So much in that we are releasing as set of courses that map to these certifications.
The fact that students and learners can certify their skills in the areas of: software development, database administration, networking and security, mobility and device management, and coding is a great start to preparing your career pathway.
Students to LearnKey: In Susan we trust
Our quarterly award (Key Contributor) is something we are very proud of at LearnKey. This person or team is recognized for exceeding expectations and or demonstrating our core values (Ease, Value and Trust). Our newest recipient is someone who has been with us for almost 5 ½ years, and here is an amazing number that we want all of you to know about her: two seventy-two (272). That number, 272, represents the total number of globally recognized industry certifications (i.e. Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, Adobe, etc.) her students achieved in 2019. Take that number, along with her “can do” attitude, and you have our one and only Mrs. Susan Somerville.
Susan is Senior Student Services Representative. Someone who gets to see first-hand how our programs can touch and change people’s lives. She handles anywhere between 60-80 students at a time, helping them complete their online training on time, practice & study for exams, assisting them in coordinating any special tutoring needs, documenting and distributing monthly reports to counselors, the list goes on and on. She is someone who is always smiling and looking at the positive in everything, even when she has to give a student some “tough love” and remind them of their “Why” and motivator to complete our online programs. Her work directly impacts our students and their success in achieving their end goal: gaining employment. She has changed many people’s lives.
Here is what some of the leaders who nominated her had to say: “Susan has an amazing ability to help her students’ progress and is a pro at having the ‘hard conversations’ with them.” Another person said “she’s very helpful in our Cedar office, has a wonderfully positive attitude, and strives each day to help her students succeed.” Another added “she truly lives our mission of improving employability for her students, every day.”
When we presented Susan with the award she was actually spending the day in our St. George, UT office sharing best practices to some of our newer student service representatives so they can do their jobs as effectively.
Congratulations Susan for a job well done. Keep being present, doing your job, and making LearnKey better every day!
LearnKey 2020 Goal: Start Fast
At LearnKey we like to start the new year fast. So 2020 is here and we are super happy we just completed one of our most important goals: LearnKey’s new Certification and Support Program catalog. This truly is our calling card, as it gives you the opportunity to learn and access the great courses, career pathways/programs, and support we offer through our national online vocational school and education as a service business we provide to businesses and strategic partners.
For 2020 we expanded and added over twenty (20) enhanced career pathways with multiple levels (i.e. entry & advanced) as our research continues to validate that these are high in-demand jobs that lead to upward mobility careers. Specifically, in the areas of Cyber-Security, Help Desk, Networking, Cloud, Programming, and System Administration.
We hope you enjoy our catalog as we are very proud on how we present our offerings, products, and services to those schools, counselors, and organizations who want to help learners get jobs. Another skill in demand is communication, and a course we are pleased to be releasing this month is Communication Skills for Business, which maps to one of the first globally recognized industry certifications offered through Certiport.
We at LearnKey believe our catalog is the purest example of who we are, what we do, and why we do it.
Of course everyone knows our “Why” – Improving Employability Every Day
Best,
Jeff
Learn In-demand Skills, Obtain Industry Certifications and Always Have a Plan “B”
My father taught me many years ago to learn a trade or in-demand skill, as well as always have a plan “B”. In this day and age that is so important, especially for those in high school, going to college, or adults trying to obtain a well-paying job. It just so happens I took that advice back in the 80’s and learning my first skill/certification was how to use American Airlines “Sabre” reservation system. See, my trade was working in a travel agency. I learned reservations, ticketing, operations, business development, and sales.
Knowing and getting certified in multiple reservation systems like Sabre, United Airlines Apollo system, TWA’s PARS, and a few others allowed me to go from doing reservations to becoming a team lead, then operations supervisor, to Director, then V.P./General Manager. Yes, I was climbing the corporate ladder, even ran start-ups over my 30-year career.
But it all started with making sure I had skills. Now, in this day and age “first jobs” are on the cusp of being eliminated this article that speaks to “AI is replacing first jobs” which is very concerning but not surprising due to advances in technology. So now more than ever, I stress to everyone learn a skill/trade, get certified, so you can have a fall back plan “B”. College degrees are important, however, in today’s world so is getting certified in many fields such as: Technology, Allied Health, STEM, Legal, and many more.
The good news is its not just me advocating the importance of certifications. A recent Forbes article just came out titled “non-degree certificates and certifications are fast, cheap and effective”. This is a great read and while they are not necessarily cheap it validates how important non-degree certificates and globally-recognized industry certifications are in today’s workforce. Here are some key highlights of the article & survey which are sure worth sharing:
- Adults with a short-term certificate or industry-based certification were more likely to be employed (85%) than adults without such credentials (78%).
- Adults holding certificates reported their median annual income to be $45,000, compared to $30,000 for adults without any certificates.
- Among the non-degree adults with a certificate or certification, two-thirds were inclined to recommend the educational path they had followed to others, compared to less than half of the non-degreed adults without such credentials.
- Among certificate/certification holders, 60% believed their educational experiences made them more marketable to potential employers, compared to 44% of those who had not earned certificates or certifications.
At LearnKey we are all about “improving employability every day” and we do that through ensuring our message around “Learn a skill, Practice as part of your preparation, and get Certified” is loud and clear. The world is changing and now more then ever, you need to have a plan “B” and I have my father to thank for that!
Jeff
New year brings goals, exciting partnerships, that drive Improving Employability Every Day
LearnKey is excited for the new year and for us to continue to grow and exceed the goals we have around our “Why” – Improving Employability Every Day. This coming year we want to see hundreds of graduates from LearnKey and Brighton College gain employment through our learning systems, programs, and strategic partnerships.
You heard LearnKey partnering with Brighton College, yes, to kick off 2019, that is exciting news. Partnering with Brighton college is a great move for us because we cater to the same student demographic. Those students interested in New Collar Jobs. With our dual alignment with Career & Technical Education programs for Information Technology, Allied Health, Legal, and Business Management it becomes a way to leverage what both our organizations are good at, which is programs that lead to in demand jobs.
In the industry we saw strong growth in our K-12 Market and vocational rehabilitation programs. Globally recognized entry-level IT & Career Ready Industry Certifications are on the rise worldwide. We are seeing it first-hand and some of the most popular obtained from our student/learner demographic were tied to: Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS), Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) , IC3 Global Standard 5, which is the newest addition to the IC3 Digital Literacy program, CompTIA’s A+, N+, and S+, Adobe, Quickbooks, and Entrepreneurship Small Business. Like all other education organizations in Information Technology, Cybersecurity continues to see strong growth with our students and adult learners wanting streamlined programs for that career.
At LearnKey a Better Learning systems (check out our updated website) company, we have three big goals this year that tie directly to Improving Employability Every Day, and they are: Create a better student learning experience through upgraded learning management technology that our employees really want to use; second, do the exact same thing with our Student Information System (SIS 3.1 upgrade), again want happy employees who use our technology; and third, Improve the student progression success of our team members and students by 40%. This will drive a better learning experience which will lead to more graduates and more of our students getting hired!
Exciting times ahead of us to kick off 2019.




