Upskill with Confidence: Free Tech & Career Courses for Older Adults

Build the digital and professional skills today’s workplace demands. Explore free, self-paced courses through IBM SkillsBuild designed to help older adults gain confidence, strengthen tech skills, and stay competitive in a changing world.

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Build skills. Boost confidence. Stay competitive.

The Basics of AI

Curious about artificial intelligence? Learn what AI is, how it works, and how it shows up in your everyday life and workplace. Understand its benefits, risks, and how humans and AI work together.

Start Learning AI Basics

A cell phone has a Chatbot AI sitting on top of it signifying an AI voice scam is occurring.

Career Management Essentials

Create a resume that gets noticed, align your skills with the right roles, and learn how to use AI tools and professional networks to strengthen your job search and interview success.

Build a Resume and Stand Out

If you're diving back into the job market after age 50, what you put on your resume can make all the difference. Learn 9 resume writing tips for older adults that will set you up for success.

Lifelong Professional Skills

Sharpen the communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills employers value most. Learn how to thrive in modern workplaces with confidence and agility.

Grow Skills Employers Value

Your professional network is a powerful tool in your search for employment. Here’s how to build one that improves your odds of landing a job.

Digital Mindset

Develop the confidence and adaptability needed to succeed in today’s digital world. Learn how to embrace new technology and continue growing your skills over time.

Grow Your Digital Confidence

A pig butchering scam is a newer type of online scam that often targets older adults. Learn how it works, what red flags to look out for, and how you can protect yourself.

Digital Skills for Everyday Life & Work

Learn how to safely and effectively use digital tools, internet platforms, and mobile devices to communicate, find information, and succeed in work and daily life.

Master New Digital Skills

Now that you've completed your BenefitsCheckUp eligibility report, you can download or email by clicking on the links at the top of this page.

Explore Emerging Tech

Discover the technologies shaping the future—from AI and cloud computing to cybersecurity and quantum computing—and explore which paths interest you most.

Discover What’s Next

Ready to boost your skills?

Today’s world runs on technology—and building your digital skills can open doors at any stage of life. Whether you’re returning to work, changing careers, or simply want to feel more confident using technology, you have access to free, flexible learning designed with you in mind.

Through IBM SkillsBuild, you can explore self-paced courses that strengthen your tech knowledge, sharpen professional skills, and prepare you for today’s evolving workplace. Learn when it’s convenient for you, at a pace that works for you.

Learn at your own pace

Getting started is simple:

Create a free account
Build your profile
Enroll in your learning plan

Whether you’re refreshing the basics or preparing for your next opportunity, these learning paths are designed to help you grow with confidence.

Start with a quick win

Not sure where to begin? The modules above are fully clickable and include all courses that offer short introductory activities. You can start with a quick 5–10 minute activity to get a feel for the topic before committing to a full course.

Explore areas like AI basics, digital tools, or career management essentials to discover what sparks your interest. Starting small is a great way to build confidence—and you can always dive deeper when you’re ready.

Having trouble getting started? Email us at powering.possibilities@ncoa.org. We're here to help you access and explore IBM's SkillsBuild.

We're here to help you get started.

Need a Hand?

Whether you have questions about enrolling, choosing the right course, or navigating the platform, our team is ready to support you. Learning something new can feel like a big step — but you don’t have to do it alone.