If you browse the internet for free IT training, you’ll mostly find long lists of online courses with little information on how they differ or how they prepare you for an IT career. This can make choosing the best option challenging.
Here, we’ll clarify the path to starting an IT career. If you’re new to IT, entry-level IT support roles are usually the best starting point. IT support provides a foundation for many tech careers and paves the way to more specialized roles.
If you’re ready to launch your IT career, we can help. Climb Hire is a nonprofit dedicated to assisting low-income working adults get into tech. Our mission isn’t profit-driven; we genuinely want to help you get the support and training needed to land your first tech job.
Our IT Support training program is specifically designed to prepare you for entry-level IT support roles. It stands out from the sea of IT training options because:
- It’s completely free for all of 2024, thanks to our generous donors.
- It’s fully remote, so it’ll be easier to fit it into your schedule.
- You’ll learn the skills needed for an entry-level IT job in just 6 months.
- We provide support to help you secure an IT job.
In this article, we’ll provide a complete overview of our IT support program and show you how it offers a direct path to an IT job. We’ll also explore a few other top free IT training options in case our program isn’t the right fit for you.
Ready to enroll in free IT training? Apply now with Climb Hire.
4 Things to Look for in Quality IT Support Training
The IT course you choose can have a big impact on your career. Here’s what to seek out in an IT support training program to make sure it helps you land your first IT job:
1. Industry-Recognized Certification
CompTIA A+ is the industry-standard entry-level IT certification. Many hiring managers specifically look for CompTIA A+ certification on resumes, as it’s proof you have the technical skills needed to succeed at the job.
CompTIA A+ includes all the fundamentals of IT support: computer hardware, software, operating system, troubleshooting, networking, cloud computing, security, and more—everything you need to know for an entry-level job in IT.
A comprehensive IT support training curriculum will cover all these areas so you can pass the two CompTIA A+ exams:
Having this knowledge will prepare you for any entry-level IT support role, such as IT support specialist, desktop support technician, or network support technician.
2. A Live, Expert Instructor
Having a live instructor with real-world experience can make all the difference in your IT support training. Unlike pre-made courses, a live instructor offers real-time interaction, personalized feedback, and practical insights. They answer your questions, clear up any confusion on the spot, and keep you engaged.
Without live support, you’re left to navigate the course alone, relying solely on pre-recorded content. If you run into questions or challenges, you need to figure things out on your own or find someone else to help. Plus, staying motivated becomes your responsibility, which can be tough without the guidance and structure a live instructor provides.
3. Hands-On Experience
Working with actual hardware and software in a controlled environment helps you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This practical experience is essential for your resume and building the confidence and problem-solving skills you’ll need on the job.
4. Low or No Tuition Costs
Ideally, you won’t have to break the bank paying for IT training. Nonprofits like Climb Hire often offer free tech education, thanks to funding from donors. Some nonprofits, including Climb Hire, even cover the costs of certification exams, which can be costly.
Other Factors That Boost Your Job Prospects
Most computer training programs focus solely on hard skills, but that’s often not enough to succeed in the job market. To truly stand out, you need more than just technical knowledge. The best IT training programs go beyond the basics, equipping you with additional skills and resources that can make a significant difference in your job hunt.
If you want something a little more robust—so you’re not left high and dry in the job market—consider looking for these extra elements in your IT training program:
- Soft skills training. Soft skills, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and writing winning resumes and cover letters, are extremely helpful for professional development. They might not be skills that are specific to IT, but a top IT training program will still incorporate them. They’re incredibly useful for career success, helping you stand out to employers, communicate your technical expertise effectively, and navigate workplace dynamics.
- Support finding a job. The best IT training programs offer job placement support on top of technical training. This can include interview practice, career coaching, and practical advice on job search strategies, such as how to properly follow up on applications, negotiate job offers, organize your job search tasks, and refine your job search approach based on feedback.
- A strong professional network. Building connections in the tech industry is crucial for a successful job search. Your network, including peers and seasoned professionals, can provide insider information on job openings, offer referrals, and give valuable advice.
Additionally, studying with like-minded peers helps keep you motivated and can expedite the process of landing a job down the road.
Why Should You Choose Climb Hire’s IT Support Program?
Climb Hire’s IT Support program equips you with the necessary training and essential skills to launch your IT career in just six months. Over 80% of our graduates secure jobs within six months of completing the program, so enrolling in our course could have you starting your IT career within a year.
Here’s what makes our IT Support program so great:
- You won’t have to pay for anything. Our program is completely free for all learners in 2024, thanks to our generous donors.
- You’ll be taught remotely by experts in the industry, covering all the technical skills required for the CompTIA A+ certification through live, online classes (preview the syllabus here). This interactive format lets you ask questions and get immediate feedback from experienced instructors.
- We cover the cost of the CompTIA A+ exams, which usually exceed $500. This way, you can focus on your studies without the added financial burden.
- You’ll gain hands-on experience through interactive work and simulations in CompTIA, allowing you to apply your knowledge in a controlled environment. This preparation helps you succeed in the CompTIA A+ exams and equips you with practical skills for a real IT job.
- You’ll learn alongside a community of like-minded and motivated peers with shared career goals, offering mutual support and networking opportunities.
- You’ll receive essential soft skills training through our curriculum, including effective communication, crafting resumes and cover letters, and mastering job interviews. These skills don’t just help you land a job—they set you up to excel in it.
- You’ll receive personal job placement support. Each student is paired with a dedicated Career Development Advisor to guide you through the job search process. This one-on-one support can make finding a job easier and less stressful.
- You’ll be connected to a broad network of industry leaders and professionals. This access leads to valuable opportunities, including insider information on job openings and referrals that can significantly speed up your job search.
Climb Hire alumni highlight the success of our programs. Take Karine Durand, for instance, who was a nanny before joining Climb Hire:
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“The first day of class, I really knew this was a place [where] I was not only going to learn but build a community. I learned technical skills, but we also worked on a lot of soft skills—little things that might seem obvious but might be new to someone who is just entering that world. Luckily, I have already gotten to put lots of those skills in place at my new job.”
3 Alternative Options for Free IT Training
We understand that Climb Hire may not be what everyone needs for IT training—particularly if you’re not looking for help with your job hunt. Here are three popular IT training alternatives that might be a better fit for certain goals and circumstances:
1. Online Learning Platforms
Many online learning platforms, such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn, Udemy, and more, offer a range of IT courses and certification prep for free. These courses are primarily self-paced and focus on independent learning.
Pros
- There are a wide range of tech learning tracks and certificate courses available, like IT support, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, project management, computer programming, digital marketing, web development and coding languages such as HTML, Python, Javascript, SQL.
- Independent study offers flexibility, eliminating concerns about scheduling conflicts.
- Many online platforms regularly update their courses to reflect the latest industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring you learn the most current practices and tools.
Cons
- Courses quality and depth can vary, making it difficult to tell which courses are worth it before you’ve already invested time and energy. Some may not fully prepare you for certification exams (CompTIA A+ or others).
- Many courses are pre-made tutorials without instructor support for personalized feedback or questions about technical concepts. Additionally, you need to be accountable for your learning and keep yourself on track.
- When you finish the course, you’ll need to cover the costs of your certifications and find a job without the support of a career advisor or built-in professional network.
2. Free College Courses
Some community colleges and even top universities—including Harvard University, Columbia University, Stanford University, and plenty more—offer free online training courses and resources through platforms like EdX. These are open to the public and provide a structured curriculum designed by seasoned college instructors.
Pros
- The courses are usually created by experienced educators, so you can count on receiving high-quality, reliable information.
- Although you often study at your own pace, you typically have access to instructors who can provide feedback and support for understanding complex concepts.
- Having an online certificate from a reputable institution, even if it’s for just a course and not a degree, can add value to your resume and may be viewed favorably by some employers.
Cons
- Free one-off courses typically don’t offer the in-depth, specialized training needed for CompTIA A+ certification, so you may need additional supplemental courses to qualify for entry-level IT roles.
- These programs usually don’t include job placement assistance, so you’ll need to handle job searching and networking on your own.
- The available courses can vary widely in topic, making it challenging to find a structured path or the specific training you need.
3. Programs Sponsored by Corporations or the Government
Local governments and corporations sometimes fund free IT training programs. For instance, Goodwill in Colorado offers free courses for various CompTIA certifications, and the CUNY Upskilling Scholarship Program provides free CompTIA A+ training at Bronx Community College.
Pros
- These programs tend to stay on top of the latest industry trends and new tech, so you’ll be learning the most in-demand skills.
- Many of these programs offer on-site learning, providing a sense of community and real-time interaction with instructors who can answer questions and offer immediate feedback.
- Hands-on workshops may also be included, giving you practical, real-world experience with the technology and tools you’ll be using in the field.
Cons
- Many of these programs are tied to specific locations, requiring residency in the state where they’re offered. If you don’t live there, you won’t have access to the courses.
- On-site learning means you’ll have to attend classes in person, which can make it tough if you don’t live nearby or need a more flexible, remote option.
- You’re unlikely to get job placement support included with programs, so you’ll be on your own when looking for an IT job.
Start Your IT Journey for Free with Climb Hire
When you join Climb Hire’s IT Support program, you’ll build a strong foundation of IT skills, gain hands-on experience, and be well on your way to a new career in the six months it takes you to complete the course.
Here’s a quick summary of the advantages of doing your IT training with Climb Hire:
- Our program is completely free for 2024, with no strings attached. Plus, we cover the cost of your CompTIA A+ exams, which normally exceeds $500.
- You’ll graduate with CompTIA A+ certification, a credential that employers seek out on resumes for entry-level IT roles.
- Our program is fully remote, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
- Our program includes dedicated job placement support, guiding you through the job search process to help you land a position quickly.
These benefits result in over 80% of our graduates securing jobs within six months, with starting salaries averaging over $50k.
Apply to our IT Support program today and take the first step toward your future in tech.