For some of us, we feel that we can offer more to our company if we are given more training to gain more knowledge. However, not everyone is comfortable asking their employers for such funding and training. Some may think it’s an inappropriate question to ask, while others simply believe that their employers won’t entertain the request. However, in reality, employees that are invested in by their place of work often are more productive which can bring more money into the business.
If you’re an adult and you are looking to be involved in more training, you may be wondering what you can do. Well, there are certain things to remember when approaching an employer and asking them for training. Members of the Newcastle College adult learning department give us their advice:
Research the training options
Before you approach your employer, be sure to carry out research into the specific education area that you’re looking to go into. With many training and education providers, you’ll find that there are a range of courses and options available. From night courses to part-time degrees, to higher apprenticeships, you can find a course that will fit nicely around your work/life balance.
You don’t only have the option of going to university to expand your skill set and gain higher qualifications. Speak to your local college and visit their website to see what they have to offer — it’s likely that they run a course related to your field or around a topic that you’re interested in.
Demonstrate the flexibility of the training
If your employer believes that you can train without hindering your current work performance, they are more likely to fund and encourage you. Again, this is all about doing your research and demonstrating to your boss that there are flexible courses out there – designed for workers like you!
There are many courses which allow you to be assessed on the job and receive your qualification. This means that you wouldn’t be sacrificing any working hours for exams and your ability to complete tasks at work shouldn’t be affected.
Why not contact your local college and request a detailed list of modules and methods of assessment for any specific course you were looking at applying for.
Explaining the benefits to you and the business
There are many benefits for both you and the business brought about by training.
It’s possible that there is a knowledge gap in the company that you can train for. This is knowledge you can share with your colleagues. It’s also possible that after your training, you could be bringing in financial benefits for the business, for example if it means they don’t have to employ somebody else to fill a role or an external company to pick up that area of work. Think about what your new qualification could allow you to do and present this to your employer when asking the question.
Many employers like to know that they have a happy and content workforce. Let your employer know what this training would mean for you. Will it make you feel more confident in your role? Or, more valued and empowered? If so, express these feelings to your boss.
Give them all the information upfront
You must present all of the information upfront when you present the question of training to your employer. This allows them to fully review all the information at a later date and saves them from doing in-depth research themselves.
Information that you should present includes module overviews, assessment methods, course testimonials and information about websites or open days so your employers can look further into it if required. that they can find out more if they want to.
If they agree to the request, you’ll likely have to also commit a large part of your personal time to the task, especially if your employer can’t allocate you time during working hours. Make sure your employer knows the sacrifices you are willing to make to improve your performance at work.
As you can see, there are definitely several options on how to approach your employer on the subject of funding. Don’t be afraid to ask the question — you and your employer can both enjoy the many benefits.
