Upskilling
Forget the Career Ladder—Forge Your Own Path
Upskill – verb. “to acquire more advanced skills through additional education and training.”
Today’s employees will make five to seven career changes over their working lives – and Northern Virginia is the center of modern career opportunity. Veterans are especially welcome, with many programs to help transition and bulk up your civilian workforce skills. Whether you simply need a change of pace or have yet to discover your passion, there are plenty of resources available to propel you on your path. Access them below to help you get started with your job search.
Jumpstart Your Career
General Resources For All Industries
Computer CORE’s mission is to prepare underserved adults in Virginia to realize career aspirations with foundational digital and professional skills.
Destination Workforce, a bold initiative of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia, delivers language-based workforce training to English language learners at the lowest literacy levels.
FastForward is a short-term workforce training program to train Virginians for industry credentials and certifications for the most in-demand jobs across the Commonwealth.
GMU Continuing and Professional Education
Mason Continuing and Professional Education (CPE) brings the best of the university to professionals seeking to advance in their careers, with 35 years of experience providing technical knowledge and industry-based micro-credentials and professional certificates.
NOVA Workforce offers continuing education and professional development training for today’s workforce. Learn new, in-demand skills, or prepare for industry credentials, and advance your career. No matter your learning goals, we’re here to help you succeed.
The TechSet program prepares college juniors and seniors to succeed as new employees in fast-moving technology jobs through a two-month program that emphasizes work readiness, job tools and career preparation through mentorship and instruction from teaching team with real-world experience and expertise.
To Empower Women is a nonprofit that improves the lives of marginalized women by providing free job skills training.
Together We Bake is a comprehensive workforce training and personal development program for underserved and underrepresented women.
UVA Recommended Virtual Upskilling Courses
Recommended classes from a variety of sources to learn important on the job skills virtually.
Looking to Break into Tech?
Resources For Gaining Tech and Cyber Skills
The Digital Tech Credential is a free program for university students in the Capital Region to gain the digital skills needed for entry-level jobs in this region.
CCI Cyber Practitioner Resources
A resource page for cyber and computer science practitioners to help build and perfect your skills.
CivilianCyber offers several training and workforce development programs to prepare individuals for a career in cybersecurity. Services include candidate assessment and career planning tools as well as paid apprenticeship programs that combine in-depth, online cybersecurity training with hands on experience. To learn more visit the Candidate Services section on their website.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Certificate
Students will be prepared with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and project experience that will enable them to become highly skilled, job-ready cybersecurity professionals.
Using a unique approach of social interventions combined with workforce skills development, CYEP is able to harness every father’s potential and unlock the inner strength needed to not only compete but succeed in today’s society.
When you apply to Revature, you’re actually applying for a two-year program to work on enterprise-level, real-world projects contracted by top companies, building your resume and portfolio while gaining free training.
Smoothstack offers an immersive training program that kick starts IT careers and delivers a singular source of IT talent.
The VCSA provide world-class, hands-on training to candidates who want to start or expand their career in the cybersecurity field.
Transition Your Career
Programs Supporting Veterans, But Make Sure To Check Out All The Resources Available
Bellator Recruiting Academy is a 501 c3 non-profit based in the State of Virginia dedicated to transforming the lives of veterans by positioning them for careers in the Recruiting Industry.
An industry-led initiative that provides free online training, certification and employment opportunities to transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard and Reservists, and military spouses looking to enter the cyber workforce!
An innovative initiative to provide veterans with access to cyber security training opportunities and resources to help veterans enter the Virginia cyber security workforce.
Empowering Veterans with valuable, no-cost IT training and employment support to help them transition to civilian careers they love.
A free career training program that provides professional certification and employee support services to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses.
For more resources and information, please visit our Veterans Page.
Find Your Career
Resources Connecting You To New Jobs And Apprenticeships
CSIIP connects you to paid undergraduate internships in science, technology, engineering and math fields. Participation in CSIIP enhances your resume and is a good way to gain actual job experience in your field of study and build relationships with potential employers.
DOLI Registered Apprenticeship – Sponsor Near You
Search for Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors who participate in Registered Apprenticeship program.
Elevate Virginia is a movement sent to help raise Virginia’s economy using a strong workforce. Elevate Virginia strives to help Virginians with a network with the tools you need such as business, education, and workforce partners.
Fairfax County DFS – Employment and Training
A collection of resources and services for Fairfax County resident jobseekers.
Gift A Career supports aspiring job seekers and professionals who are struggling to launch their career, make a pivot, or re-enter the workforce.
The G3 program makes it possible for Virginians with low or modest income to pursue jobs in high-demand fields.
Learn what skills you may have from previous experience that could translate to a new career.
National Older Worker Career Center
NOWCC is proud to connect professionals, age 55+, with part-time and full-time opportunities throughout the country.
One-stop resource for the people of Virginia impacted by job loss during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Technology at the Library – Fairfax County
An overview of tools and resources available for STEAM students and organizations as well as anyone interested in learning about technology.
VA Ready’s goal is to reward Virginians who seize the moment and commit themselves to training for in-demand jobs.
Created in 2009, the Virginia Education Wizard allows students of all ages and stages to explore careers and find the best fit.
A list of upcoming career fairs highlighted by the Virginia Employment Commission
Virginia Career Works Northern and its partners operate seven Career Centers in the Northern Virginia Region, with knowledgeable center staff to assist employers, job and career seekers, and youth with a comprehensive range of free employment, training, and career development services.
Search The Full-Service Employment Center To Find And View Job Openings, Create And Post Résumé, Look For Training, And Much More.
40Plus of Greater Washington is a volunteer-run non-profit organization with a 67-year track record of training and empowering Washington D.C. area professionals for successful career transitions.