As the world shifts towards remote work and digital skills, it has never been easier to switch careers or pick up new skills from the comfort of your home. Here are some platforms offering free and affordable courses that can help you start a new Career.

1. Coursera

Coursera offers a wide variety of courses and specializations that can help you embark on a new career journey. If you’re interested in career fields like information technology, data science, healthcare, graphic design, marketing, or journalism, Coursera has learning programs that can equip you with the necessary skills​​.

Popular courses include:

Google IT Support
Google Project Management
Google UX Design
Google Data Analytics
IBM Data Science
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by University of California, Davis
Social Media Marketing by Northwestern University
Graphic Design by California Institute of the Arts
Become an EMT by University of Colorado System
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals by Duke University​​.

2. edX

edX is another excellent platform to learn new skills. They offer a variety of ways to learn, from engaging video lectures and dynamic graphics to data visualizations and interactive elements. You can supercharge your AI skills with their Machine Learning and AI MicroBootCamp, designed for experienced tech professionals to complete in 8 to 10 weeks​.

edX also offers a range of career-oriented boot camps:

Coding Boot Camp
Data Analytics Boot Camp
Cybersecurity Boot Camp
FinTech Boot Camp
Product Management Boot Camp
Digital Marketing Boot Camp
UX/UI Boot Camp
Technology Project Management Boot Camp​.

3. Alison

Alison is another platform where you can learn to code for free. They offer courses in several programming languages including Python, JavaScript, SQL, Java, C#, and Ruby. Some courses that are specifically tailored to remote work are:

Remote Team Management and Leadership
Best Practices for Remote Working
Tools for Working From Home

Remember, no matter what career path you choose, the most important thing is to stay motivated, keep learning, and apply what you learn. The skills you gain from these courses can be directly applied in the real world, and can greatly enhance your career prospects​​.

Whether you’re making a career transition or just looking to upskill, these platforms provide a wealth of resources to help you on your journey. With determination and consistency, you could be well on your way to starting a new career.

Do you have any other platforms or courses you’d recommend? Share your experiences in the comments below!