Resources · 01
General learning platforms
These resources are useful regardless of which direction you are heading. Start here if you are still exploring or want to build broad foundations before committing to a specific area.
Pick one and start there. The most common mistake is trying to learn everything at once, then losing momentum when it becomes overwhelming. One course, one community, one conversation is enough to begin.
Where to learn
Free
Microsoft Learn
Structured learning paths across Microsoft 365, Azure, security, data, and AI. One of the best starting points for anyone exploring tech.
Free / Paid
LinkedIn Learning
Courses on project management, data, leadership, and tech basics. Often free through employers or local libraries, worth checking before you pay.
Free / Paid
Coursera
University-level courses from Google, IBM, and others. Many are free to audit, meaning you access all the content without paying for the certificate at the end.
Free / Paid
edX
University and professional courses. Free to audit, with certificates available for a fee.
Free
Harvard Online, free courses
Free courses across a wide range of subjects. Useful for building confidence and broader knowledge.
Paid
Pluralsight
In-depth tech courses with skill assessments. Particularly strong for IT, cloud, and development topics.
Paid
Udemy
Large library of practical courses, often heavily discounted. Good for specific tool training.
Free
YouTube
Search “day in the life of a [role]”. Invaluable for understanding what roles actually look like in practice.
Free / Paid
Open University, OpenLearn
Free introductory courses via OpenLearn, plus full qualifications. Particularly good for career changers in the UK.
Networking and community
Free
Girls and Tech (G&T)
A UK community of over 100,000 women in tech and those looking to enter the industry. Events, panels, employer partnerships, and an early careers programme. One of the most genuinely supportive communities in UK tech.
Free / Paid
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Professional body for IT in the UK. Offers qualifications, events, and community.
Job search and research
Free
LinkedIn Jobs
Search roles, set alerts, and read job descriptions to understand what skills employers are actually asking for.
Free
Indeed
Large job board. Useful for researching role titles, salary ranges, and required skills.
Free
Find an Apprenticeship (gov.uk)
Search for tech apprenticeships across the UK. Worth exploring even if you have experience.
Not sure what to learn?
Chapter 8 of the book covers what you actually need to learn, and just as importantly, what you can safely ignore.