Whether you're unemployed, working but unfulfilled, or just getting started in your career, SkillUp is built to help you take the next step. Our platform is free, accessible, and designed to meet you wherever you are.
Even if you aren’t quite sure what you’re looking for yet, that’s okay. This guide will walk you through the five easiest ways to use our platform to gain clarity, build confidence, and move toward a job that works for your life. If you've ever wondered how to use SkillUp to its full potential, you're in the right place.
Built for You: The Story Behind SkillUp
Job seekers often face information overload. It's hard to know what to trust, which programs are legit, or which jobs are actually worth your time.
We built SkillUp to be a trusted starting point for workers navigating change. As a nonprofit, our mission is to guide people through their career journey with resources that are researched, reliable, and rooted in workforce data. That’s why we created a central platform that only includes:
- Training that’s been vetted for affordability, timeline, and accessibility.
- Jobs that pay a livable wage and don’t require a degree.
- Support tools that help you feel confident in your next move.
SkillUp is here to help you make progress without the guesswork. And yes—it really is a free career resource you can trust.
What You Can Do on SkillUp
Get Career Support That Feels Human
SkillUp offers more than links and listings. You’ll also find accessible, personal support, like:
- Group coaching sessions to talk through your career goals.
- A work style quiz to identify what types of work environments might be a good fit.
- Encouraging, easy-to-understand blogs, videos, and guides for every phase of your job search.
If you’re looking for career help for adults, we’ve got you. We’ve got something for everybody, from those just starting out after high school, to those looking to upgrade their skills, to those looking for an entirely new career.
Explore Careers You May Not Have Considered
Many of the best-paying, fastest-growing jobs don’t require a degree. Our career research tools let you browse by industry, salary range, and work style, even if you’re not ready to commit to a path yet.
- See which skills you need (and how to build them).
- Understand work environments and growth potential.
- Explore roles that let you work from home or include hybrid work.
- Save roles that catch your interest so you can revisit them later.
Our tools can help you narrow your options, whether you're exploring new opportunities or seeking career change support.
Discover Free or Affordable Training Programs
Once you have a goal in mind, it’s time to build toward it. Our training catalog features short-term programs that are either free or low-cost, many of which can be completed online.
All the programs we feature are reviewed by actual humans who select them based on our high standards. This makes sure the programs we offer are high quality, affordable, and don’t take forever to complete.
Some programs even include:
- Job placement help
- Interview coaching
- Certification prep
You can filter by length, cost, delivery method, and more. Our online career platform gives you access to free career resources that help you make progress fast.
Apply for Real Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Our job board is curated by the SkillUp team. That means you won’t see low-quality or scammy listings here. We only list roles that:
- Don’t require a four-year degree
- Offer livable wages
- Are posted by verified employers
You can sort by industry, employer, location, and remote work options. And when you’re ready, your SkillUp profile can help you save and track your applications.
Looking for job search support that doesn't confuse you more than when you started? We've done the legwork to make your search easier.
How to Use Our Platform
Step 1: Create a Profile
Start by creating your free SkillUp account. We’ll ask a few quick questions to personalize your experience and make sure you’re seeing the most relevant jobs and training.
You can:
- Save jobs, training programs, and career paths
- Set goals and milestones
- Track your progress over time
Step 2: Decide Where to Start
Not sure what you want? You’re not alone. Take the work style quiz, browse the career research section, or check out job listings to see what sparks your interest.
- If a job looks like a good match, apply directly.
- If it looks like you need more experience, find a training program to help you get there.
This is where many users first learn how to use SkillUp to get unstuck and gain direction.
Step 3: Sign Up for Training
You don’t need to spend thousands or study for four years. Our training partners offer:
- Low- to no-cost options
- Accelerated learning timelines
- Wraparound support, including on-the-job training and job placement
- Stackable credentials
- Apprenticeships and earn-and-learn programs
Use filters to find what fits your schedule, lifestyle, and career goals. Earn-and-learn programs are particularly valuable if you don’t have the time or funds for standard training programs, which are often unpaid.
Step 4: Research & Apply for Jobs
Once you have your certifications and you’re ready, use our job board to:
- Search for jobs by keyword, industry, or location
- Save listings to your profile
- Track your application progress
Some jobs offer on-the-job training, while others are entry-level with room to grow.
Step 5: Get Additional Support
The job search is challenging and full of nuances that can be challenging, especially if you’re completely changing careers. That’s why SkillUp supports you before, during, and after your job search.
- Don’t miss out on:
- Resume-writing guides
- Interview prep blogs and checklists
- Group coaching sessions
These free career resources are built to help you move forward, even when you're not sure what comes next.
After You Start the Search
Career growth isn’t always a straight line, but SkillUp keeps you moving. After you’ve explored jobs, training, and career resources, your next step could be as simple as creating a profile, or it might be diving deeper into a new career path. Either way, your journey doesn’t end here.
Come back often to:
- Revisit your saved jobs and trainings
- Update your career goals as they evolve
- Discover new programs and industries added monthly
- Track your application and training progress
One of the most powerful things you can do for your future is keep learning. Sometimes, the only thing standing between where you are now and a better job is access to the right information. That’s why SkillUp exists—to give you tools, guidance, and encouragement at every step.
So take action today, and keep coming back whenever you’re ready for what’s next.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is SkillUp really free?
Yes! Everything—from training referrals and job listings to coaching and guides—is free for users.
Do I need to know what job I want before signing up?
Nope. You can start exploring careers or take our work styles quiz to help you narrow in on your interests and preferred working environment. We’re all about career exploration here!
How does SkillUp choose which jobs and training programs to feature?
For training, we vet each opportunity for accessibility, cost, time to complete, and earning potential.
For jobs, we only show listings that don’t require a degree and offer livable wages.
What if I already have a job?
You can still use SkillUp to explore new opportunities, take training, and plan your next move.
Can I use SkillUp on mobile?
Yes! Our platform is mobile-friendly and easy to navigate on any device.
