Online Courses, are they worth it?

Liz3yy

Morning all from the cloudy South West,

I am currently out of work (long story which I will go into another time)

I am considering taking a course or two to improve my skills, job chances and also to bump my CV. Today via Woucher I've received an email informing me of an online basic accounting course, £19 instead of over £200. Now I have all my working life worked in offices doing various marketing, events and sales admin roles. I'm wondering if it's worth my time (and hard earned money) taking this course, or indeed any other similar one to help improve my chances of securing my next job?

Any thoughts fellow moneysavers?

Many thanks

Liz3yy

No thoughts then, anyone?

SailorSam

Maybe if you could put up a link to the Course people could check and see what they think. £19 isn't a lot to lose if there's a chance of enhancing your Cv, but there are lots of free courses around so how does this one compare ?

keyser666

People have jobs to do during the day therefore some of the more knowledgable aren't able to respond so swiftly. Also a lack of information on the course being offered does not help, if you could post that then people within that skillset could comment on the viability.

My own personal thoughts are I would never bother with these, I have seen them in my own field and not worth it at all. You will find most of the material "'out there'' anyway for most jobs. My other issue with these type of voucher training elements is the syllabus or modules are a couple of years out of date

directdebiter

A course is helpful to your CV. If it is relevant to what you want to apply for. So if you want an accounting job and an employer sees you have - from your own initiative - enrolled on an accounting course - Yes that is positive. When comparing you with somebody who has no relevant experience you will be more attractive to the employer.

So the course is worthwhile if relevant. Also though before you commit any money or time you need to check the credentials of the course to ensure what you get at the end of it and that it is a credible qualification or training centre etc

kizzie_nikita

Id go for it for only £19, i recently also bought a similar one on wowcher, for the same price but it was book-keeping, and at the end you got a 'basic book keeping' certificate, can't remember the company though.

Everything helps, check out vision2learn as well if you're under 24.

valacky

Hi.

If you are claiming benefits then ask the Jobcentre for advice on free training. Also, have a look around the web. Some companies offer free trial versions of their software programs with tutorials included. Sage accounting software is a good example.
How about your local college? I had a great experience by taking college courses despite being in my late 40's at the time. That was my first educational course since leaving school in 1977. I also did an online IT course through Learn Direct which was good for me.

Val.

saintjammyswine

Agree with ^^^, contact your local FE College and find out what is available both in terms of courses and funding.

brz3igler

Hi. Wow that's a good deal by allowing to take the course for £19 instead of over £200. How interesting but then actually if you're going to check in the internet there are still a lot more online courses offered, some other even for free. Also, I'm wondering why give you that big of a discount if they can really give quality service/training? Hmm. Just a thought. It's still up to you though, if you're willing to risk your £19. My advice is for you to check and look around first before making your decision.

teddysmum

To me, it sounds too cheap to be of any use.

I would contact our local FE college, as people who have a low income can have help with costs, besides some free courses (but these are mainly in basic maths, English and, possibly, IT)

fruitedeli

valacky wrote: »

Hi.

If you are claiming benefits then ask the Jobcentre for advice on free training. Also, have a look around the web. Some companies offer free trial versions of their software programs with tutorials included. Sage accounting software is a good example.
How about your local college? I had a great experience by taking college courses despite being in my late 40's at the time. That was my first educational course since leaving school in 1977. I also did an online IT course through Learn Direct which was good for me.

Val.

And did this 'great experience' materialise into a job? A couple of days worth of Sage is of no use without actual work experience using it. The course might be useless for self confidence issues, or brushing up very basic accountancy skills, but don't expect employers to give you a job based on this so valued qualification.