The Best Places in Austin for Moms Looking to Re-Skill or Upskill

If you’re anything like me, juggling family, work, and everything in between, the idea of adding one more thing to your plate can feel overwhelming. But let’s face it—whether it’s for personal growth, a career pivot, or simply staying competitive in today’s fast-paced world, re-skilling or upskilling can be a game-changer. And lucky for us, Austin has some incredible resources to make it happen. Let’s dive into the best spots around town to level up your skills while managing your already full schedule.

Austin Community College (ACC)

If you’re looking for flexible and affordable options, ACC is a fantastic place to start. They offer everything from degree programs to certifications in high-demand fields like tech, healthcare, and business. With evening and online classes, it’s perfect for moms who need to fit learning around carpool schedules and bedtime routines. Bonus: They have a Career Services department that helps with job placement and resume building.

General Assembly

Want to break into tech or sharpen your digital marketing chops? General Assembly’s Austin campus is a hotspot for immersive workshops and part-time courses. Whether it’s coding, UX design, or data analytics, they’ve got you covered. And their short, bootcamp-style programs mean you can skill up quickly—because who has time for a two-year program when you’ve got soccer games to attend?

Capital IDEA

This nonprofit is a lifesaver for moms who need financial assistance to re-skill. Capital Idea partners with ACC and other institutions to cover tuition, books, and more for in-demand careers like nursing, IT, and skilled trades. They even offer career coaching to guide you through the process. It’s an amazing option if the cost of education has been holding you back.

The Riveter Austin

For moms looking to enhance their entrepreneurial or professional skills, The Riveter is a vibrant coworking space and community hub. They frequently host workshops, panel discussions, and networking events tailored to women. Whether you’re launching your own business or climbing the corporate ladder, this supportive environment is full of resources and connections.

Skillpoint Alliance

If hands-on training is your thing, check out Skillpoint Alliance. They offer free or low-cost training programs in fields like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. The best part? Many of their programs are short-term, so you can get certified and job-ready in as little as a few weeks.

Texas Career Check

Okay, this one’s more of an online tool, but it’s too good not to share. Texas Career Check is a career exploration platform that helps you discover jobs in high demand and the skills you need to land them. If you’re not sure where to start, this resource can point you in the right direction—all from the comfort of your couch.

Women’s Business Council - Southwest

If you’re a mompreneur (or aspiring to be one), the Women’s Business Council is your go-to for resources, workshops, and networking events. They’re all about empowering women business owners and professionals to succeed. The connections you’ll make here could be the key to taking your career or business to the next level.

Online Learning Platforms (Honorable Mention)

Let’s not forget the power of online learning! Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy offer affordable and flexible courses in just about anything you can think of. These are perfect for moms who want to learn at their own pace—even if that pace is 10 minutes a day between diaper changes and snack prep.

Tips for Getting Started

• Set a Goal: Whether it’s a specific job, skill, or certification, having a clear goal will keep you motivated.

• Find Your Village: Share your goals with your partner, friends, or fellow moms so they can help keep you accountable.

• Start Small: You don’t have to dive into a full course load. Begin with a single class or workshop to test the waters.

• Leverage Free Resources: Many of the places mentioned above offer free or low-cost options. Take advantage of them!

Austin is a city full of opportunity, and there’s no better time than now to invest in yourself. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, making a career pivot, or simply chasing a long-held dream, the resources in our city are here to help you succeed. You’ve got this, mama!