The tech industry is one of the fastest moving sectors with new innovations and developments happening all the time. Undertaking training courses can be a great way to keep up with new technologies, learn a new skill and advance your career.

Whether that be in cybersecurity, AI, blockchain, cloud computing, web development and more, finding the right training course and training platform for you can be a minefield.

Here are some courses and training platforms to get you started on upskilling yourself and preparing for the future of tech.

The difference between a certificate and a certification

It’s always best to check the qualifications you’ll receive from undertaking any training course and ensure they meet your needs and future goals.

For example, if a course provides a certificate, that is likely to be evidence of undertaking education in that topic. Completing a certification usually requires taking an exam or completing coursework.

Both are useful to have and can still provide value to your career goals, but make sure you know what proof of education you require for the job you want to apply for.

What training platforms are there?

The good news is there are lots of training courses and platforms you can explore to find the right course for you to help grow or upskill your tech career.

1) Coursera

Coursera is a digital learning platform that partners with more than 275 leading universities and companies to offer training courses, degree programmes and job-ready certificates. Some of the courses are available for free, or there is a paid-for subscription that allows you to access higher-level courses and certifications.

2) Grow with Google

Google’s training platform allows you to access online courses that will help grow your digital career. Many of these courses are also available through Coursera, but you can filter to the specific course for you via Grow with Google. They offer online certificate programmes with flexible, professional-level training.

3) Google Skillshop

Google Skillshop is a free training academy where you can learn and become certified in Google products like Google Analytics, Ads, Marketing Platform and more. This is a particularly useful platform for marketers and data analysts.   

4) Udemy

Udemy has a catalogue of over 210K courses to choose from, available in over 75 languages. You can learn about anything from Python, JavaScript, Data Science, Amazon AWS and more. The courses are all taught by real-world experts and you can learn in your own time. Courses are individually priced or you can opt for the ‘Personal Plan’ for £15 per month.

5) Code Academy

There are some great free courses available through Code Academy that can provide you with a beginner-level understanding of topics like Generative AI or ChatGPT. You can also opt for their ‘Skill Path’ courses which also provide you with a certificate or their ‘Career Path’ courses which provide you with a professional certification.

6) IO Academy

IO Academy is an award-winning skills boot camp platform. Their courses are application-based and paid-for and will provide you with higher-level skills to help you succeed in your career. For some courses, you will need to have completed entry requirements, but this is dependent on the course you choose to take.

7) Code Institute

The Code Institute is the UK and Europe’s only university credit-rated coding bootcamp. You can learn in-demand skills to fast-track your career and receive academic certifications recognised by employers. The flexible online learning platform helps you develop coding skills for the real world.

Five training courses to help kick-start your tech career

1) Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Gain an immersive understanding of the practices and processes used by junior data analysts and learn key analytical skills. You’ll also learn how to clean and organise data for analysis and visualise findings in dashboards and presentations.

• Time to complete: 6 months with 10 hours work per week

• Requirements: No degree required

• Level: Beginner

• Cost: Free to enrol if you are a member of Coursera Plus. Coursera Plus costs £46 per month.

2) Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate

Understand the impact of cybersecurity practices for organisations and identify common risks, threats and vulnerabilities. You’ll also gain hands-on experience with Python, Linux and SQL.

• Time to complete: 6 months at 7 hours a week

• Requirements: No degree required

• Level: Beginner

• Cost: Free to enrol if you are a member of Coursera Plus. Coursera Plus costs £46 per month.

3) Learn Java with Code Academy

You’ll learn how to build core programming concepts as well as learning object-oriented concepts and how to create Java projects. This course is popular as you’ll learn a wide variety of applications and possibilities with coding. You’ll learn to develop large systems, software and mobile apps and how it applies to real-world projects.

• Time to complete: 25 hours

• Requirements: None

• Level: Beginner

• Cost: Free

4) Google Machine Learning Engineer Learning Path

With this course, you’ll learn to design, build, produce, optimise, operate and maintain ML systems. This learning path takes you through multiple courses to teach you various aspects of machine learning and AI. Complete the courses to go through to the certification.

• Time to complete: Est. 4 weeks

• Requirements: Complete the courses to take the certification

• Level: Introductory to intermediate

• Cost: Free courses with paid-for certification

5) Full Stack Developer Diploma from the Code Institute

The only university credit-rated online coding boot camp with a 98% hire rate. Learn how to develop both front-end and back-end technologies. You’ll gain a deep understanding of the entire web development process, and become equipped with confident developer skills and problem-solving abilities to help start your career.

• Time to complete: 1 year with a minimum of 12-15 hours per week

• Requirements: Pass the application process

• Level: Beginner to intermediate

• Cost: £7.7k

How can CA Tech Talent help find you a career in tech?

We are specialised in hiring for tech roles across the South West, whether that’s engineers, developers, data analysts or more.

Our dedicated team of tech specialists will help you find a permanent, temporary or contract role from our vast network of employers. We’ll advise you every step of the way, from CV advice to interview guidance, to help you find the perfect role.

Submit your CV and we’ll share every relevant opportunity with you.

We are not affiliated with any of the courses mentioned in this article and do not receive any funds for the promotion of these courses.