Accessible, cohort-based courses in networking, project planning, and workplace technology — designed so everyone can succeed.
Each course runs in cohorts — learn together, practice together, grow together. All courses use plain language and inclusive design.
Build professional relationships that support your learning, career growth, and community engagement.
Learn to organize work, complete tasks, and manage projects using plain language and real examples.
Practice using workplace tools like email, messaging, documents, virtual meetings, and AI.
All three certification tracks at a discounted price
Every course runs in a cohort with a certificate of completion and resume guidance.
Get the BundleAfter you enroll: welcome email the same day, LMS login within 24 hours, live cohort kickoff on your start date, and a certificate at completion.
People with disabilities helped design and lead these courses as paid staff, advisors, and presenters. Their expertise shaped every detail, from language to pacing, resulting in an experience that reflects real needs, preferences, and strengths. As we grow the Skills Lab, our team will always include the very community we seek to support.
Staff, advisors, and presenters with disabilities help lead every course.
Vocabulary, pacing, and examples reviewed by disabled learners.
Plain language, clear visuals, and flexible formats for full participation.
A plain-language overview of every course, what's included, and how to enroll. Delivered to your inbox in seconds.
Everyone goes through the same lessons at the same time — no one gets left behind.
Activities are shared so you can try skills in a safe, supportive space with your peers.
Meet people with similar goals and share ideas that build real connections.
Build skills, confidence, and connections you can use for the rest of your career.
Complete a course and earn a verifiable digital credential, something you can share, display, and build on throughout your career.
Each course you complete earns you a ForwardWorks Skills Lab digital badge, a verified credential tied to your name that you can share anywhere.
Professional credentials are most valuable when they stay up to date. Skills Lab certifications include a renewal process so your badge always reflects your current knowledge.
Your credential includes a renewal cycle so it stays active and current over time, showing employers you keep your skills sharp.
Renewing your credential signals ongoing professional development, a quality that stands out to employers and program managers.
Renewal is straightforward. A short review confirms your continued competency, then your badge is updated with a new issue date.
Not sure how to pay? You may have more options than you think — including state VR funding and disability waivers.
Working with a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor? Your VR agency may be able to authorize and pay for your course directly. Contact us before purchasing and we'll provide the documentation your counselor needs.
Using an HCBS Medicaid waiver, supported employment funding, or another disability services waiver? Contact us before checkout — we'll work with your support coordinator or case manager to process payment through your waiver program.
Paying out of pocket? Click any "Enroll Now" button above and complete checkout with a credit or debit card. Enrollment is confirmed instantly and you'll receive a welcome email the same day.
Not sure which option applies to you? Reach out to the ForwardWorks team — we'll help you figure out the right path.
Every Skills Lab course is built in plain language and designed to work with screen readers, captions, and assistive technology. If you need accommodations, contact the ForwardWorks team — we'll make it work.
The Project Planning certification pathway clearly showed how each component builds practical, real-world project planning skills. The most valuable part was putting key terms into my own words, which helped deepen my understanding beyond simple memorization. I'm excited to apply what I learned!
I really enjoyed this course! The lessons were well structured and easy to follow, and the use of plain language helped me understand project planning from start to finish. In our live virtual group sessions, the instructors did an excellent job reinforcing the curriculum, allowing us to see concepts explained in real time, ask questions, and reflect on the material as a class. This was well organized, engaging, and very helpful.
I really appreciated how simple and clear the language was — it made project planning feel approachable.
Join the waitlist and be the first to know when the next cohort opens — including priority enrollment.
We'll reach out as soon as the next cohort opens. Keep an eye on your inbox — and feel free to explore the courses in the meantime.
Direct Access courses cover the same content and lead to the same certificate — without the cohort schedule. Enroll anytime and learn at your own pace, with no group sessions required. Starting at $99 per course.
Choose a single course or save $98 with the bundle. All courses run in cohorts, use plain language, and include a certificate of completion.
Build professional relationships that support learning, career growth, and community engagement.
Networking is about building relationships that can help you learn, grow, and succeed. This course teaches you how to connect with others in ways that are respectful, effective, and comfortable for you. Across five modules, you'll go from understanding what networking is and why it matters, to actually practicing introductions, conversations, and follow-ups in a supportive cohort environment.
By the end of this course, learners will understand what networking is and why it matters for school, work, and community. They'll practice introducing themselves, starting conversations, and following up — and build confidence in growing a network of supportive people.
Learn to plan and complete projects using plain language — an important employment skill.
Projects are part of everyday life — a set of tasks or activities you do to reach a goal. This course uses plain language to explain project management words so everyone can learn how to plan and complete projects. You'll learn the five project planning phases (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing), explore key planning areas, and get hands-on tools and templates you can use in real life.
Learners will understand what a project is and why planning matters, learn key project planning words, recognize and practice the five project planning phases, understand the main areas of project planning, and access resources and templates for future use.
Learn common workplace technologies and AI tools using plain language.
Technology and AI are part of everyday work. Tools like email, messaging apps, documents, spreadsheets, webinars, and AI help people share information, solve problems, and complete tasks. This course uses plain language to explain those tools so everyone can learn the basics and practice using them across four modules.
Learners will identify and describe common workplace technologies, practice using them for real tasks, build confidence choosing the right tool, explore how AI can support work while understanding its limits, and access resources for future use.
| What You'll Learn | Networking | Project Planning | Tech & AI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Build professional relationships and networking confidence | Plan and manage projects using structured frameworks | Master workplace technology tools and AI |
| Key Skills You'll Gain | Introductions, starting conversations, follow-up strategies, confidence building | Project planning phases, task management, team communication, resource planning | Email, documents, spreadsheets, video meetings, AI basics & hands-on practice |
| Topics Covered | What is networking • Preparing yourself • Building confidence • Meeting people • Maintaining connections | Introduction to projects • Types of planning • Project vocabulary • Five planning phases • Management areas | Workplace technology overview • Common tools • Understanding AI • Hands-on tool practice |
| Best For | People building their professional network or returning to work | Anyone managing tasks, projects, or teams in any role | People less comfortable with technology who want hands-on practice |
| Modules | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Format | Cohort-based learning with practice in a group | Cohort-based learning with real examples and templates | Cohort-based learning with hands-on tool practice |
Built the same way as our current tracks: by and with the disability community, plain language, cohort delivery, and a certificate of completion at the end.
Learn to think ahead, prepare for challenges, and recognize opportunities. Risk becomes a skillset you can build, not something to fear.
Learn to do work that meets expectations, supports others well, and improves over time. Practice the habits that make your work dependable.
Learn to plan, organize, and take action in your job search. Build the tools, confidence, and follow-through to move from wanting to work to actively moving toward work.
Here's what your first few weeks in the Skills Lab look like, from the moment you enroll to the day you earn your certificate.
Answer five quick questions and we'll suggest the best course and format for you.
Get the full Skills Lab curriculum on your own schedule. Direct Access courses include all of the same content and lead to the same certificate of completion — without the cohort structure or group sessions.
All course modules and materials, a certificate of completion, and resume guidance — delivered through YesLMS at your own pace. This is the right choice if you want to earn the certification but do not need the scheduled cohort meetings or peer group experience.
Build professional relationships that support your learning, career growth, and community engagement — at your own pace.
Learn to organize work, complete tasks, and manage projects using plain language and real examples — at your own pace.
Practice using workplace tools like email, messaging, documents, virtual meetings, and AI — at your own pace.
All three self-paced certification tracks at a discounted price
Learn all three Skills Lab courses on your own schedule. Same content, same certificates — no cohort required.
Get the BundleDirect Access learners receive the exact same ForwardWorks Skills Lab certificate and digital badge as cohort learners — fully verified and shareable.
Cohort-based courses include live group sessions, peer practice activities, and structured support from instructors — ideal if you learn best alongside others.
Someone from the ForwardWorks team will reach out within one business day. Check your inbox for a confirmation — and feel free to in the meantime.
Have questions before you enroll? We're happy to chat. Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch within one business day.
Whether you're a parent, guardian, job coach, or support coordinator, this section is for you. Here's everything you need to know about what Skills Lab is, what the experience looks like, and how to get someone enrolled.
A real, verifiable credential — a certificate of completion and a digital badge they can add to their resume, LinkedIn profile, and employment portfolio.
Plain-language instruction — no jargon, no assumed knowledge. Every concept is explained clearly so learners can fully participate and succeed.
A structured cohort with peers — learners go through the course together with a group, with three live virtual sessions: an orientation, a midpoint check-in, and a completion celebration.
Practical tools they keep — downloadable templates and resources they can use on the job, in job applications, and in interviews long after the course ends.
Resume and profile support — guidance on how to add the new credential to their resume, LinkedIn, and employment profile after completing the course.
Courses are delivered online through a learning platform called YesLMS. The learner completes modules at their own pace between three scheduled live virtual sessions. There's no in-person requirement.
The learner works through course content at a pace that suits them, with no hard daily deadlines.
Orientation to start, a midpoint check-in, and a completion session. All held via video call with the cohort.
All content uses plain language and inclusive design. Accommodations are available — contact us before enrollment to discuss.
You can observe live sessions with the learner's permission and help them navigate the platform. Contact us if you have questions about the right level of involvement.
You can purchase a course for someone else and we'll get them set up. Here's how it works.
We're happy to talk through which course is right, discuss accommodations, or answer any questions before you commit. Reach us here.
Head to the Overview tab and select a course or the 3-Pack Bundle. You can complete the purchase using your own card — the enrollment will be set up for the learner.
You'll receive a confirmation email, and the learner will receive their welcome email and LMS login details. The ForwardWorks team will reach out if we need any additional information.
Their first touchpoint is a live orientation session with the cohort. From there they work through the course modules at their own pace until the completion session.
Courses are $199 each, or $499 for all three. You can pay by credit card at checkout. If you're using VR funding, a waiver, or another funding source, contact us before purchasing — we'll make sure the process goes smoothly and provide any documentation you need.
Or if you're ready to go.
Enroll in a course, take the quiz, or reach out to the ForwardWorks team.