Extra training at work can lead to adults feeling more confident in their role. However, it’s possible that many people think that they can’t speak to their employer and ask them for education funding. Perhaps they believe that this is an inappropriate question to ask, or they don’t think that their employer would agree. In reality, employees that have been invested in by their place of work often have a higher well-being and are more productive — bringing more to their company.
Do you think that you could benefit from further education or training? If so, there are certain things to remember when approaching an employer and asking them for training.
What options do you have?
Before you rush to speak to your employer, make sure that you’ve thought about the options that are out there. 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.
Some people think that university is their only option to gain more qualifications, but this isn’t the case. 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.
Courses can be flexible around your schedule
Understandably, your employer won’t want your learning to affect you too much. Make sure you are doing your research and demonstrating to your boss that there are flexible courses out there – designed for workers like you!
Education institutes have considered this and that’s why many of their adult courses are flexible. 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.
Get in touch with your local college to get as much information as possible. Ask for a detailed list of modules and methods of assessment for the course you’d like to apply for.
Learning can benefit the company
Remember, other people can benefit from your learning too.
By brushing up your skills and furthering your knowledge, you could fill a knowledge gap in the business, for example. 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 good bosses care about how their employees feel as well. 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.
Share as much information as possible
You should definitely try to provide your boss with as much information as you can. This allows them to fully review all the information at a later date and saves them from doing in-depth research themselves.
What sort of information would be useful? Module overviews, assessment methods, course testimonials and information about websites or open days so that they can find out more if they want to would come in handy.
Of course, when you sign up to further education, you’re committing your own time as well. Make sure your employer knows the sacrifices you are willing to make to improve your performance at work.
Consider our top tips when speaking to your employer for education funding. Don’t be afraid to ask the question — you and your employer can both enjoy the many benefits.
This article was created with the help of the Newcastle College adult learning department.