Thousands signed up for both, reflecting a general increase in demand for online learning. General Assembly saw demand for its online introductory classes, workshops and events double over a three-week period over March and April compared to what they see normally. Tens of thousands of people have signed-up for General Assembly’s Free Fridays, which opens up some of the most popular courses in order to help people and companies in need of new skills.
The company is also partnering with employers, educators and even cities. In Louisville, Kentucky, in the US, for example, the company is offering subsidized training in fields like software engineering and data analysis as part of the Mayor’s COVID-19 Reskilling Initiative.
Everyday learning matters too
Of course, for many people, there has been no capacity for online training during the lockdown. Plenty of workers are trying to do their jobs while coping with the challenge of working remotely for the first time. On top of that, lots of these people will also be trying to occupy children whose schools are closed or work around partners or housemates who are now also at home.
The good news, for businesses and workers, is that many of these people will be picking up new skills too. Their communication skills will be strengthened by being part of a remote team. If you are checking-in with colleagues only once per day then everyone has to be clear and precise in communicating what they are doing.