GALWAY, IRELAND – 2026-01-15
Alison has reached a major milestone in the world’s strongest economy, with 10 million Learners now using the platform to upskill, reskill, and future-proof their careers through free, flexible online learning.
The milestone comes at a time when the US labour market is showing clear signs of cooling. Employers added just 584,000 jobs in 2025, down sharply from two million in 2024, reducing the number of new opportunities and increasing competition across industries. While unemployment stood at 4.4% in December 2025, slower hiring has left many professionals feeling less certain about progression, stability, and long-term options.
Against this backdrop, more Americans are taking a proactive approach to their careers. Rather than waiting for opportunities to emerge, professionals are strengthening their skills, updating their resumés, and preparing for change through short, practical courses that fit around work, family life, and existing commitments.
This shift is reflected in how Alison is being used across the United States. Learners are not only preparing for new roles, but also quietly future-proofing their current positions, exploring alternative career paths, and building confidence through demonstrable, job-relevant skills.
How Alison Helps Americans Regain Career Confidence and Direction
For many Learners, upskilling is less about chasing promotions and more about regaining clarity and confidence during uncertain times. Alison Learner Keicia Christine Bass-Goodman, a Case Aide from the United States, reflects this reality.
With a background in healthcare and public service, Keicia turned to Alison to explore a new direction while balancing work, family life, and health challenges. She began her learning journey with a course in Drug and Alcohol Awareness and Prevention, driven by a long-standing desire to support people in recovery and those facing mental health challenges.
She is now continuing her studies with the goal of becoming a life coach and, ultimately, a crisis counsellor. Keicia credits Alison’s self-paced structure and practical assessments with helping her stay focused and make steady progress.
“If you want to gain more education in the area you’re currently working in, or you want to change your career, Alison is perfect,” she said. “The assessments helped me understand my strengths and plan my next steps, and the reminders made it easier to fit learning around my routine. Being able to learn at my own pace gave me the confidence to keep going.”
Her experience highlights how accessible online learning can support real career change – not only by building knowledge, but also by helping Learners feel more prepared, capable, and in control of their future.
10 Million Learners in the US Reflect Trust in Free Online Learning
Reaching 10 million Learners in the United States during a slower hiring year is a signal of trust in Alison, as well as timing. It suggests that people are already responding to labour market uncertainty by investing in skills that can improve confidence, credibility, and employability. Whether someone is entering the workforce, returning to work after time away, changing direction, or advancing in their current role, free online courses can offer an inclusive pathway to progress without putting opportunity behind a paywall.
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Americans can study anytime, anywhere with the Alison App for Android and iOS, making it easy to keep learning even with busy schedules or limited connectivity. They can also explore Alison’s free online career development courses to boost their employability and learn in-demand workplace skills. For practical tips on upskilling, navigating a changing job market, and developing future-ready skills, they can visit the Alison Blog.
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About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered Learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited Learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numeracy, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, Learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App.
In 2026, Alison will launch a Global Recruitment Service to directly connect skilled, motivated Learners with hiring employers. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings – reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
