Upgrade Skills for K-12 Employees

Sometimes an unexpected career event — such as a layoff — can be an excellent time to brush up on your skills. You have several options for training and education.

In a competitive job market, make sure you have the basic or specialized skills you need for your chosen positions.

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1. Research Training

   Learn which type of background and training requirements are most desired.

   • Research employers: Get started learning about occupations, industries, and companies.
   • Tools and technology: When thinking about possible training, explore cutting-edge software, equipment, and tools that workers may use in specific occupations.
   • Work-based learning: Work-based and experiential learning programs allow you to gain skills through real work experience instead of — or in addition to — classroom experience. It can include volunteer service, intern- and externships, practicum, job shadowing, and other types of ways to "test drive" occupations and industries.



2. Short-term Training

   Short-term training can include a course, or a certification, occupational license, or training program that lasts less than one year.

   Courses:A course or class is one of a series of lessons or meetings that may be part of an education program. A course can be a regularly scheduled class sessions and can be offered online.

   Certifications: Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience, or skills in an occupation or profession.

   • Administrative assistants certifications
   • Teachers and teaching assistants certifications
   • All certifications by occupation

   Occupational license: Learn about occupations that require a license in Minnesota.

   • Business and financial operations licensed occupations
   • Education, training and library licensed occupations
   • All other licensed occupations in Minnesota
   • All licensed occupations in Wisconsin
   • All licensed occupations in other states

   Short-term programs: A program is a series or combination of courses covering related skills or topics. It usually ends with a credential such as a degree or a certification. These programs are one year or less.

   • Arts, AV and communication programs
   • Business administration programs (Metro region, use menu to change region)
   • Education and training programs
   • All Minnesota short-term programs
   • Short-term programs in other states



3. Begin or Finish a Degree

   Many people find that after a layoff or in a tight labor market is an excellent time to head back to school to begin or finish a four-year or graduate degree.

   • Fields of study in education and training.
   • Learn about the types of degrees and awards available.
   • Find Minnesota schools, majors (fields of study), and four-year or graduate programs.



4. Pay for Training

   Free online training (263KB, .pdf)
   Lists free online computer and job training that can help upgrade your skills. In addition to these online trainings, many local libraries and community centers offer free or low-fee computer training.

   Financial aid 101
   Financial aid programs are most often based on financial need. Most students qualify for some type of financial aid. Explore other training funding options (543KB, .pdf) for working adults and nontraditional students.

   Scholarships
   Awarded for academic achievement, athletic achievement, special skills, or can be based on race, ethnicity, religion, or military affiliation. Most scholarships are offered directly to students through the colleges. Most do not have age requirements. There are also some scholarships specifically for experienced workers.

   Pell Grants and other federal programs
   Learn about Pell grants and other new educational opportunities for unemployed workers.