Have you ever felt stuck, like you're falling behind while the world keeps turning?

João felt this firsthand. After years working as a general services assistant, he was suddenly laid off. The company downsized, and he, over 35 years old and without a college degree, was left out.

At first, João thought he'd soon find another job. But the months passed, and nothing happened. The bills piled up. The rent was late. His wife began supporting the household with odd jobs. His daughter began asking why he was always home.

Until one day, browsing his cell phone, João saw a publication: “Empower yourself with free online courses from the Government Virtual School.” It sounded too good to be true. Free? With a certificate? Was it serious? It was serious.

With time to spare and his self-esteem at rock bottom, João decided to take a risk. He chose a Introduction to Information TechnologyThe website was organized, the content was straightforward, and the videos made it easy to understand—even for someone who barely knew how to use spreadsheets.

At the end of two weeks, he completed the course. And he felt something different: trust. Excited, João took two more courses — one on Basic Excel and another of Information Security.

He discovered an area he had never imagined: IT technical supportHe saw that companies were hiring even without a diploma, as long as the person had practical knowledge and willpower.

João updated his resume, added his certificates, created a LinkedIn profile with the help of tutorials, and began applying for jobs. Two weeks later, he received his first call for an interview.

John was hired by a small technology company as technical support assistantIt was a junior position, but the salary was higher than what he was earning before, with benefits and room for growth.

Today, he is already studying to become a network analyst. With practical experience and courses, his vision for the future became part of his life again.

If you also feel stuck, lost, and unsure how to get back into the job market — The free online courses from the Government Virtual School could be your turning point.

In recent years, online education has gone from being a trend to an accessible and indispensable reality — especially for those looking for professional qualification without investing financially.

In this context, the free courses offered by official government platforms, like the Virtual Government School, have gained prominence.

But do they really deliver value? What are their strengths, and what might they lack?

Below you will find an honest and detailed analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of free online courses offered by public institutions.

1. Free and democratic access to education
Anyone with internet access can enroll. There are no registration, monthly fees, or certification fees. This eliminates the biggest barrier preventing thousands of Brazilians from studying: cost.

2. Total flexibility of schedules
You can study at your own pace, adapting the course to your routine. This is ideal for those who work, care for children, or have other daily commitments.

3. Recognized certification
Certificates issued by institutions such as ENAP (National School of Public Administration) are important on a CV, being accepted in public exams, selection processes and even job advancements in the public sector.

4. Wide variety of courses
You can find training in areas such as administration, public management, technology, citizenship, finance, environment, among others — with varying course loads, from introductory courses to more robust programs.

5. Quality of content
Contrary to popular belief, the courses are well-structured, with video lessons, handouts, quizzes, and forums. They are created by experts and undergo pedagogical review.

6. Encouraging continuous training
Because they are free, many users take several consecutive courses, creating a learning path that enhances professional development.

7. Ideal for improving your resume and standing out
With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, having certificates from additional courses on your resume can be the differentiator that catches the attention of recruiters.

1. Lack of personalized tutoring
Unlike paid courses, many Virtual School courses don't offer tutors or active support. This can make learning more difficult for those who require more guidance.

2. Self-discipline is essential
Since the courses are self-paced, you need discipline to complete them. Without strict deadlines or external pressure, it's common to start and not finish.

3. Little interaction between students
Most courses don't have active forums or spaces for participants to interact. This can limit networking and the exchange of experiences.

4. Recognition may vary by industry
Despite their value, some employers still place greater value on in-person courses or those offered by renowned private institutions. It's important to evaluate the target audience for each position or process.

5. Platform may have technical limitations
Depending on the volume of traffic, the platform may experience slowdowns. On mobile devices, the experience may not be as smooth as on a computer.

6. Introductory content in some courses
Some courses are quite basic and serve more as a gateway than a comprehensive training program. This can frustrate those expecting more in-depth content.

You free online courses offered by the government, especially by Virtual school, represent a excellent opportunity for accessible, practical and quality training — especially for those who want improve your resume, change area or return to the job market.

Although there are limitations, such as the need for self-discipline and the lack of deeper interaction, the benefits outweigh the challenges for those who have focus and determination.

If you are looking for grow professionally without investing financially, this is a smart, strategic and completely viable choice.

Want to learn more and see how to get started right away? Check out our complete article with step-by-step instructions, tips, and course suggestions for your profile!