Entering the new year offers us a valuable opportunity to improve our lives in various ways, especially when it comes to personal success and career advancement. Unlike New Year’s resolutions that have only a fleeting impact, starting a new career brings about profound, lasting change that can have dramatic benefits for nearly every aspect of your life.

The first step in this transformative journey is getting the right skills for your new career path — the efficient and cost-effective way. If you don’t have a college degree, entering a skilled labor or trade profession may be the smartest move you ever make. Here’s how you can get started on your “new year, new you” plan.

Improve Your Personal and Professional Life With Digital Skills Training

Let’s face it — technology and digital best practices change at the speed of light these days, which can seem overwhelming at times. Yet today, and particularly in the wake of the pandemic, digital literacy is crucial in today’s job market. Staying on top of key skills and practices can help you get more organized, more connected, and more prepared for job-related tasks. Here are some key areas that are well worth brushing up on:

  • Social media apps like Slack, LinkedIn, and Facebook (and how to use them at work)
  • Google apps (collectively known as G Suite or Google Workplace) like Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides
  • Commonly used video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet
  • Popular Microsoft Office Suite apps like Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel

Jumpstart a New Career With Accessible Career Training

If going back to school for multiple years isn’t practical for you, don’t worry: you don’t need a four-year college degree to change your career. In fact, you can get focused training on specific job skills in a surprisingly short time, and these can help you qualify for high-quality, well-paying roles. You can get free career training at community career centers and nonprofits driven by a mission to make workforce participation more accessible for everyone.

These kinds of career training programs offer extensive job search support, including job training, information about in-demand roles, recruitment events, and workshops. Here are some fields and roles you can quickly qualify for to build a successful (and lucrative) career:

  • IT support and services. This sector offers a range of entry-level roles with opportunities for upward mobility. It can be ideal for anyone who’s passionate about computers, networks, and cybersecurity.
  • IT automation. Training in this field can help you qualify for mid-level roles in systems administration, advanced IT support, advanced helpdesk services, data management, and automation jobs, particularly Google IT automation with Python. IT automation training can also be an excellent foundation for continued upskilling in Cloud+ or Data+.
  • Enter the medical field and help people in important ways — all without the time-consuming or expensive medical school degree. You can start with roles like certified nursing assistant or medical assistant.
  • Culinary arts. Post-pandemic, there’s a growing demand for culinary workers. Careers range from prep cooks to restaurant managers with plenty of options in between. Training in this field can help you qualify for jobs at corporate dining centers, hotels, restaurants, country clubs, hospitals, grocery stores, and colleges.
  • Construction and building maintenance. Engage in hands-on, satisfying work in roles related to carpentry, electrical and plumbing systems, painting, drywall installation, and more.

Put Your Best Foot Forward With Job Search Skills

Sometimes, just the thought of a job interview can give us sweaty palms. Yet instead of getting anxious, you can get help with each step of your job search and candidacy. Because they offer multifaceted support that addresses virtually every aspect of starting or changing your career, community centers and workforce-related nonprofits can also help you navigate your job search successfully. This includes providing information and workshops on the following:

  • Choosing a career field that’s a good fit for you
  • Finding a high-quality job in the post-pandemic workforce
  • Preparing job applications (including cover letters, résumés, work samples, and reference lists)
  • Interview tips and etiquette (for both in-person and video conference interviews)

So what are you waiting for? Start exploring your career and job search training options today!

Get FREE Training to Boost Your Career With JobTrain

You can get the training you need to navigate life better and qualify for many in-demand careers. If you live near Silicon Valley in Northern California, you can contact JobTrain for free hands-on career training and general digital skills training to get started on the path to a high-quality job in your chosen field. You can also put your best foot forward with our job search tips and workshops.

JobTrain is an accredited educational and training institution that transforms lives and communities in Silicon Valley. We help people reclaim their lives by preparing them for successful, sustainable careers in high-demand and emerging fields.

Each of JobTrain’s programs combines vocational training, academics, and essential skills development, preparing students to turn their lives around — from unemployment to success and self-sufficiency. Contact us today to learn more!