Building Tech Skills with Microsoft Learn and the Microsoft Learn Student Hub
With a growing investment in building a tech talent pipeline for future jobs growth across Greater Manchester, acquiring tech skills has become more crucial than ever.
Whether you’re a student exploring career options or a young professional looking to enhance your skillset, Microsoft offers a wealth of free resources to help you learn and develop valuable tech skills.
Find out more about the completely free Microsoft Learn, Microsoft Learn Student Hub and LinkedIn Learning platform empowering you to embark on a journey of learning, building a portfolio, and preparing yourself for future job opportunities across the borough and beyond.
Microsoft Learn: Your Gateway to Skill Development
Microsoft Learn is an online learning platform that offers a wide range of courses and learning paths across various technologies and Microsoft products. This platform is designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners. Here’s how you can make the most of Microsoft Learn:
- Browse Learning Paths: Microsoft Learn provides structured learning paths that guide you through a series of modules and hands-on exercises. These paths cover topics like cloud computing, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. Choose a learning path that aligns with your interests and career aspirations.
- Engage in Hands-on Labs: Hands-on labs allow you to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting. By working through real-world scenarios and tasks, you can gain valuable experience and enhance your problem-solving skills.
- Earn Certifications: Microsoft Learn offers a range of role-based certifications that validate your skills and boost your employability. These certifications are recognized globally and can set you apart from the competition in the job market.
Microsoft Learn Student Hub: Tailored Support for Students
Recognising the unique needs of students, Microsoft has created the Microsoft Learn Student Hub—a dedicated resource hub that offers additional support and opportunities to young learners. Here’s how the Student Hub can help you:
- Academic Content: The Student Hub provides academic content aligned with popular subjects and courses, such as computer science, engineering, and data science. These resources can complement your academic studies and help you develop practical skills relevant to the job market.
- Career Resources: Discover a wealth of career resources, including resume-building tips, interview guidance, and insights into the tech industry. The Student Hub equips you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the professional world.
- Community and Networking: Connect with like-minded peers, mentors, and industry professionals through the Student Hub’s vibrant community. Networking opportunities can open doors to internships, job shadowing, and collaborations that enhance your learning journey.
Visit Microsoft Learn Student Hub
Building a Portfolio and Showcasing Your Skills
In the tech industry, having a strong portfolio is invaluable. It demonstrates your capabilities, showcases your projects, and gives employers tangible evidence of your skills. Microsoft Learn provides you with the resources to build an impressive portfolio through:
- Project-Based Learning: Microsoft Learn’s hands-on labs and learning paths often involve real-world projects. Completing these projects not only reinforces your learning but also provides tangible examples of your work to showcase in your portfolio.
- Code sharing with GitHub Integration: Microsoft Learn integrates with GitHub, a widely used platform for hosting and sharing code. By creating repositories for your projects, you can share your code, collaborate with others, and demonstrate your expertise in software development.
- Blogging and Documentation: Consider documenting your learning journey and projects through blog posts or technical documentation. This not only helps solidify your understanding of the concepts but also allows you to share your insights and solutions with others.
Free Learning Paths for Top Jobs through LinkedIn and Microsoft Partnership
LinkedIn and Microsoft have joined forces to address the growing demand for tech and tech-enabled jobs by offering free learning paths through the LinkedIn Learning platform. Learners can develop the entry-level and specialist skills demanded by today’s job market, whilst building a well-rounded portfolio and becoming attractive candidates for local employers. Here are some key highlights:
- Professional Certificates: LinkedIn and Microsoft offer seven Professional Certificates, each tailored to a specific job role. These certificates are designed to equip learners with a combination of foundational, technical, and soft skills needed for successful careers in tech. The seven certificates currently available are:
- Software Developer
- Data Analyst
- IT Support
- IT Administrator
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Designer
- Project Manager
- In-Demand Job Skills: The learning paths for these certificates are carefully crafted to align with the skills demanded by employers in the tech industry. They cover a broad range of hard and soft skills, ensuring that learners gain a well-rounded understanding of their chosen field.
- Job Placement Opportunities: LinkedIn and Microsoft are also focused on creating pathways to employment for certificate holders. Through partnerships with leading companies and organizations, learners have access to job placement programs and opportunities to connect with recruiters seeking qualified candidates.
Summary
In the ever-evolving world of technology, learning and developing tech skills is essential for students and young professionals. Microsoft Learn, Microsoft Learn Student Hub & LinkedIn Learning provide a wealth of free resources that empower you to learn, practice, and build a strong portfolio of evidence for future job opportunities. Whether you’re interested in cloud computing, data analytics, artificial intelligence, or other areas, these platforms offer the tools and support you need to thrive. Embrace the power of Microsoft’s resources, embark on your learning journey, and unlock your full potential in the tech industry. The opportunities are boundless, and your future awaits!