SkillUp, run by the SkillUp Coalition, is a US nonprofit launched in 2020 to help people without college degrees move into better-paid careers. Its free platform lists vetted training programmes, jobs and career resources, with coaching for some users. SkillUp says all programmes in its catalogue cost under $10,000 and many are free, and it’s funded by foundations and partners rather than learners.
At a glance
| What it is | A nonprofit career and training platform |
| Audience | US workers, especially those without degrees |
| Cost | Free to use |
| Training catalogue | Programmes under $10,000; many free |
| Extras | Career coaching, quizzes and local resources |
| Funding | Foundations and coalition partners |
| Where it works | United States |
How it works
You create a free profile and answer a few questions. SkillUp then shows careers, training programmes and jobs that fit, filtered by cost, format and location. You can save options, apply to programmes and access coaching and guides. It also points to public resources such as local job centres and state-funded training.
Pricing
SkillUp is free. Programmes listed come from other providers and range from free to under $10,000; some even pay you to train.
Is it worth it for side hustlers?
SkillUp is useful if you want to move into a new field, such as IT support or skilled trades, that can lead to freelance or remote work. It’s more about career change than quick income.
Common mistakes
Some users sign up and wait for opportunities. Others choose paid programmes without checking free alternatives. Use the filters and coaching actively.
Using SkillUp well
Start by exploring careers that interest you, then filter training by cost, online or local, and length. Save a few options and compare them side by side. Use SkillUp’s coaching and guides to plan steps, and check whether your state’s workforce board offers free training vouchers for programmes you like.
Connecting training to income
Many careers on SkillUp, such as IT support, bookkeeping or skilled trades, can lead to freelance or side work once you’re trained. For example, IT certifications can support local tech help, and bookkeeping training can support small business clients.
Free resources beyond training
SkillUp also points to support such as transportation, childcare and local job centres, which can make training possible for people with busy lives.
Quick checklist
Before choosing a programme, create a profile, shortlist two or three careers, filter for free or low-cost training, check local funding through your job centre and ask SkillUp’s coaching about next steps.
Common questions
Many users ask whether SkillUp itself trains them. It doesn’t; it points you to vetted programmes from other providers. Others ask about paid programmes: SkillUp says all are under $10,000, but compare costs and check funding before enrolling. Look closely at completion rates, job support and the credentials each programme leads to, and read recent reviews from graduates where you can find them.
Who gets the most from it
SkillUp suits US workers without degrees who are ready to retrain and want help finding affordable, trustworthy programmes. People returning to work or changing careers mid-life often benefit from its coaching and local support pages.
Why it matters
Many training ads overpromise. SkillUp’s value is that its team researches careers and programmes, focusing on paths that don’t require a degree and lead to living-wage jobs. That saves time and reduces the risk of paying for weak programmes. It also helps you spot which programmes are funded locally, so you can avoid paying for training you could get free through public schemes in your state.
Getting started
Set aside an hour to create your profile and explore careers. Save a shortlist, then book coaching or read the guides for each path before choosing training. Ask about local funding at your nearest job centre too.
Owen’s take
SkillUp is a genuinely free, well-meaning place to plan a career change in the US. Use it to find funded training before paying for anything.
Who it suits
It suits US workers without degrees looking for a better career path. It suits less well people outside the US.
Similar options
- Alison offers free online courses.
- Coursera has financial aid.
- Code Institute teaches coding.
- FutureLearn offers university short courses.
More options are in Resources.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free to use
- Vetted programmes and jobs
- Coaching and local resources
Cons
- US only
- Training comes from third parties
- Career change takes time
FAQ
Is SkillUp free?
Yes, the platform is free.
Who runs SkillUp?
The SkillUp Coalition, a US nonprofit.
How much do SkillUp’s programmes cost?
All are under $10,000, and many are free.
Do I need a degree for SkillUp?
No, it’s built for people without degrees.
When did SkillUp launch?
In 2020.
