Want To Upskill This 2024? Here Are 10 Online Courses For Parents

Investing in learning is the only way to stay relevant in our careers or businesses. Upskilling is one way to stay ahead. Whether you have finished your college degree or not, you need to constantly adapt so that your skills and knowledge will be relevant. The only way to solidify our value in the world of Artificial Intelligence or AI is to use our competitive advantage—the gift of our creative and innovative minds.

A member of the Facebook group, Smart Parenting Village, Rhapsody Key Bermejo, used to work as a content moderator in a private company for three years, but childbirth forced her to resign from the job. Years after staying home, she knew there was more to life than being a mother.

She said, "I don't want to stop here. I mean, I love being a mom kasi I know my children need me more than anyone else and I understand how hard it is to grow up na walang mom beside you, but lagi kong naiisip, I don't want to stop here. Kahit wala na ako sa corporate world, gusto ko pa rin natututo ako kasi life can offer more lessons. Tsaka, it keeps me sane. My sanity is always my priority. At ang laking bagay sa akin na araw-araw akong may natututunan.” She mentioned how she utilizes learning platforms such as UP Open University, Udemy, FHMoms, and TESDA courses to prepare and improve herself to become a work-from-home mom.

With the gift of technology, learning doesn't have to be complicated anymore. There are several online courses that you can access either for FREE or for a minimal enrollment payment:

10 digital platforms that offer online courses for parents

1. UP Open University

UP Open University also offers a FREE Massive Open Distance Learning (MODeL). Its courses are FREE, SELF-PACED, and OPEN to everyone, and it can be completed at their own convenience. At the end of each course, learners will receive an e-certificate to include in their resume as a 16-hour training. Check out the available courses this 2024 here.

2. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

For small business owners who aspire to expand their businesses, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) offers a variety of courses that help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. It offers a One Town, One Product (OTOP) program, where they help businessowners in branding, product development, and labeling their products and services. It also taps experts who can mentor small businessowners. It also helps connect businesses to other government agencies such as Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPO), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and among others.

DTI also partnered with Go Negosyo, a non-profit organization. Since 2016, it has been offering the Kapatid Mentor Me (KMME), a 10-module mentorship program that offers weekly interactions between the mentors and the mentees. It aims to boost entrepreneurial capacity through improved access to Mentorship, Money, & Market (3Ms). You can contact DTI in your respective areas to get help from mentors, or check out its Facebook page here.

3. TESDA

The Technical Education and Skils Development Authority (TESDA) offers the TESDA Online Program (TOP), which caters to free Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) for those who want to acquire technical education and skills where Filipinos can learn at their own pace and time.

You can learn from a variety of their course offerings, such as 21st-century skills, Agriculture, Automotive, Entrepreneurship, Healthcare, Information and Communication Technology, Process Food and Beverages, Social Community Development, and more.

I took courses during the pandemic, which equipped me to better prepare our small business, improve marketing and operations, and more. Check out its website here.

4. FHMoms Academy

Filipino Homebased Moms (FHMoms) is a social enterprise that helps Filipino moms access e-learning platforms and communities to learn new skills, find job opportunities, and build businesses.

In their Facebook group, FHMoms offers free training and affordable online courses for virtual assistance, content creation, podcasting, and more. You can access their Master Courses here. Many moms share how this community helped them find a thriving work-from-home job opportunity. 

5. Pinay Girl Boss Academy

Pinay Girl Boss is a similar platform that is exclusive to women. It offers a supportive and inclusive environment to help Filipinas build their skills, confidence, and network. Their trainers are leaders who excel in their field, which includes graphic design, arts, and social skills.

Some of its courses include (1) Canva Made Easy: Design Skills for Beginners and Business Owners; (2) Watercolor Mastery: Basics to Beautiful Brushwork; (3) Charisma and Confidence: How to Talk to Anyone and Make an Impact; (4) Virtual Assistant Basics: Learn the Skills, Plan Your Strategy, and Earn More; (5) Start Your Business Right: Business Registration and Structures 101 and more.

Check out its course offerings, starts at Php 199, here.

6. Mamacademy

Mamacademy has been actively hosting various educational events and programs, both online and offline, to empower mothers to realize their full potential and thrive in their roles as mothers.

Mamacademy founder Kaye Ang offers two programs for moms: (1) Purpose-Filled Motherhood, a 1.5-hour online program for moms who want to rediscover themselves as an individual, and empower them to pursue passions and purpose alongside motherhood; and (2) Mama Development Program, which is for moms who want to upskill, expand their horizons, and network with other like-minded moms. Read more about it here.

7. Digital Marketers HQ

Digital Marketers HQ provides guidance and expertise tailored explicitly to e-commerce businesses, helping businessowners optimize their digital marketing efforts to drive sales and grow their online presence.

E-commerce is booming because it is accessible, personalized, and diverse. Small business owners who are present in Shopee and Lazada will benefit from its courses. Learn more about it here.

8. MasterClass

MasterClass is an online platform that provides access to video-based courses taught by world-renowned experts in various fields. From arts and entertainment to business and technology, MasterClass offers various classes covering cooking, writing, acting, music, filmmaking, photography, and more.
Renowned authors, instructors, businessmen, and athletes lead the discussion on this platform. Check out its class offerings here.

9. Udemy

Udemy is a global platform with over 210,000 free and paid online courses to help people learn and lead in their respective fields. Whether you are in business, finance, marketing, design, music, or arts, they have you covered with reliable and world-class instructors. Read more about it here.

9. Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School (HBS) is one of the world's leading business schools, renowned for its excellence in management education, research, and leadership development. It now offers paid virtual training to those who want to study abroad. It's a prestigious and worldwide institution, and if you're ready to level up your learning, its courses are premium. It's a badge of honor to finish a course at this institution.

Mom of three and actress Neri Miranda, known for her multiple small businesses, invested in learning through HBS. During the pandemic, she finished a course titled Entrepreneurship Essentials. She shared: “Sulit lahat ng puyat! Never stop learning. Kapag gusto, gagawa talaga tayo ng paraan."

One invaluable asset no one can take away from you is your education. Learning is a life-long investment, enabling you and your family to build better lives. Never stop learning—technological advancements have made learning more accessible to all.