Prepare to Get Back to Work with Free Online Courses from the City of

Published on September 24, 2020

City of Alexandria and Arlington County residents can get free job skills training online as part of "Skill-Up City of Alexandria and Arlington County," an initiative of the Alexandria/Arlington Regional Workforce Council, Alexandria Workforce Development Center, and Arlington Employment Center.

The online classes are funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration/Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and Virginia Community College System.

"City of Alexandria, in partnership with Arlington County, is proud to support this effort and provide the tools for residents to "skill-up', which will help them prepare for jobs with local employers," said City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson.

This initiative uses the Metrix E-Learning System, which offers a wide variety of courses to help people who are looking for a new career or want to move up from their current position.

"It is exciting that some 5,500 courses are available through this system, and you can access them 24/7 anywhere there is a high-speed internet connection," Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey said. "You can take these courses at your own pace and fit it into your schedule when it's convenient for you."

Even someone who is unsure of their career goal can explore opportunities in 10 different career tracks which target in-demand jobs within the DC Metro region. To enroll, online learners can log into Alexandria/Arlington's Metrix E-Learning System.

Users will have six-months of free access to workplace, business, technical and IT courses that teach the skills local employers are looking for. Those who lack computer skills, internet access, or want assistance, can call the Alexandria Workforce Development Center at 703-746-5990 or email wdc@alexandriava.gov, or call the Arlington Employment Center at 703-228-1400 or email jobseeker@arlingtonva.us.

The most popular courses include Project Management, Microsoft Word & Excel, HIPAA, Human Resources, Accounting, Food Industry Standards, Leadership and Team Building. There are also courses available in computer and IT fields such as Networking, CompTIA, Windows, Adobe and Information Security.