Top 5 Online Course Providers for 2020 

Lockdown seems to have brought out the need in some of us to find a new hobby or skill in some of us. Staying busy for those who have been furloughed has become essential. Whereas those who find they are reflecting on their existing jobs may have decided to up-skill during their time off, perhaps in anticipation of a new career or goal. 

But what of those who are happy in their existing jobs? This could be the perfect time to indulge in that craft you’ve always wanted to try. Or, take up an online course? We have done a bit of research and come up with our top 5 online course providers for 2020. 

Online courses are some of the best ways to develop new skills and gain new qualifications from the comfort of your own home. 

Top 5 Online Courses for 2020 

  1. If you’re looking to acquire skills to complement your current role, LinkedIn learning is a great starting point. There are over 15,000 courses from which to choose. Simply filter by sector, select your level of experience and start the application procedure. There’s a wide selection of both paid and free courses.
  2. The Open University – perhaps the best–known platform for distance learning. The Open University offers a wide range of both free and paid courses covering a vast amount of subjects. If you’re looking for a certified course (and to perhaps move out of your current sector). The Open University is a great starting point.
  3. If you’re not looking for a professional course and just want to explore a new hobby try craftcourse.com while many courses have been suspended due to coronavirus, there’s nothing stopping you investing in online tutorials and planning for future ‘in person’ classes. 
  4. Learn Direct – One of the largest providers of online business courses. Learn direct is used by individuals and business alike. It may be worth speaking your employer about a particular business-related course and seeing if they will invest in their business by furthering your skillset. Also, many of their courses are funded by the government. 
  5. Another site that supports professional development is Coursera. Affiliated with over 200 Universities (including Imperial College London) it is one of the most eclectic sites in terms of variety.  

Of course, you don’t have to do anything! For many people, the stress of the current climate, coupled with added pressures such as homeschooling is more than enough to be dealing with right now. However, for those of you thinking of investing in self-development (personal or professional), there really is no time like the present.