Home Depot's Free Program Will Help You Tackle Your Next DIY

Many DIY projects come with the prerequisite of "know-how." That is, a DIY project can be difficult to tackle if you don't have the right understanding of how to pull it off. And while online resources like YouTube can help streamline a specific process, not everyone is equipped with the precise verbiage to find the exact task they want to accomplish. So, whether you're hoping to add to your repertoire of DIY knowledge or work on some home maintenance skills to master by the time you hit 30, you might consider taking advantage of Home Depot's free program, Path to Pro.

The program is aimed at helping average folks learn trade skills for free. The slogan, which reads "Prepare for a trades career," specifically touts the program as an entry point for learning the basic knowledge needed to get into a professional trade. But, for the average person, this course could also teach the necessary skills for basic DIY home improvement projects that every homeowner should know how to do.

For example, Home Depot says coursework is available in topics like construction, electrical work, HVAC, painting, and others. In addition, users can learn safety measures, discover trade resources, and receive a certification upon completion. Home Depot says the time it takes to finish a training varies, but it is likely much simpler and more condensed than a college course would be, by comparison. The training is virtual and self-paced. Another thing the program offers is access to the Path to Pro Network, which helps connect employers to job seekers.

Some folks have noted that the Path to Pro program helps the average person because it teaches you things you may not have been inclined to search for on platforms like YouTube. As one Reddit user put it, a lot of homeowners "don't know what they don't know." Additionally, people reported that the program is more structured than YouTube videos, which means you don't have to know ahead of time what to search for or in what order. So, if you're a homeowner who wants a basic understanding of how certain parts of your home operate, the Path to Pro program could be worthwhile to up your DIY game. This is particularly helpful if you're someone who often finds themselves wondering, "Can I really DIY this or should I call a pro?"

However, despite being a great resource for general home knowledge, some folks have stated it may not be worth it for those looking to go into a trade. The argument is that, since this is considered "self-taught," employers may not be impressed by the free course certification. Others point out that it might not look notable on a resume in the same way as attending a trade school or doing an apprenticeship. Still, others argue that the Path to Pro certification on a resume shows self-initiative and self-discipline. Additionally, the program does open up exclusive access to Home Depot's Path to Pro Network for access to jobs. Of course, as another Reddit user pointed out, at the end of the day it's free training, and that can't hurt.