Alison delivered 4m hours of free learning in the US last year.
The United States is grappling with a workforce development crisis as Congress slashes over $1.7 billion from critical training programs, including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). These cuts threaten to undermine job training initiatives that millions of Americans rely on to secure employment and advance their careers. With federal funding for workforce development already lagging behind OECD averages by $80 billion annually, communities across the country are bracing for significant challenges in connecting workers with in-demand skills.
Amid this growing crisis, Alison, the world’s largest free online learning platform, is stepping up to fill the void. Offering over 5,500 CPD certified courses in high-demand fields such as IT, healthcare, and business analytics—all at no cost—Alison provides a scalable, accessible solution to the challenges posed by these funding cuts. With over 45 million learners globally, including 7.5 million in the U.S, Alison is uniquely positioned to empower individuals and organizations alike during this critical time. Alison’s free learning platform enables workforce boards, policymakers, and employers to maximize limited budgets while equipping job seekers with essential skills. Its globally recognized certifications help learners stand out in competitive job markets without incurring tuition fees. In 2024 alone, Alison delivered 4.1 million hours of free learning in the U.S., valued at $422m.
Ciaran Cannon, VP of Global Affairs for Alison, emphasizes the company's commitment to empowering individuals through education. "Last year, Alison supported learners in all 50 states, offering up-to-date, high-quality courses. Last week alone, over 23,000 Americans registered with Alison for the first time, drawn by the freedom and flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere. Alison provides pathways to marketable skills, rewarding careers, and powerful free tools like our resume builder and aptitude testing. The House Appropriations Committee has approved substantial reductions to workforce development funding, including the complete withdrawal of funding for WIOA Youth Activities. We in Alison are uniquely positioned to respond to that challenge. We have the knowledge and capacity to support millions of Americans daily, including those in rural and marginalized communities. All they need is a smartphone and the drive to succeed."
Beyond individual learners, Alison supports organizations through its "Alison for Business" initiative. This free Learning Management System (LMS) allows businesses and nonprofits to create tailored training programs without relying on public funding. Workforce boards can integrate Alison's resources into hybrid training models that combine online learning with mentorship programs, optimizing efficiency while demonstrating measurable impact.
As policymakers debate long-term solutions to workforce development funding challenges, Alison offers an immediate and viable alternative. Ciaran Cannon urges stakeholders to act: “We invite workforce boards, employers, and policymakers across the U.S. to leverage our platform during this critical time. There are seven million people unemployed in the US, while well over seven million job vacancies remain unfilled. That’s a lot of wasted potential, with a human cost, and we at Alison want to help bridge that gap. Together, we can ensure continued access to essential skills training while advocating for sustainable policy reforms. No one should be left behind.”
