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Training is an investment, not an unnecessary cost.

Published

by Mark Young, Academy Class.


 

In difficult economic times employers can be forgiven for looking at their expenditure and deciding that some things are easier to do without than others. While utility bills and direct employment costs are unavoidable, other costs are reviewed and even axed.

Training falls into this latter category yet research shows that businesses that don’t train their workforces are twice as likely to fail as those that do. The ones that continue to train even in difficult times recognise that developing employees’ skills, knowledge, confidence and motivation increases individual performance, which positively impacts on business goals.

Training is an investment not a cost, just as the need for computer based technology is an investment. Let’s face it, that technology is useless without training for those who work with it. So, in order to maximise their return on that investment, companies need to invest in the people who are expected to use the technology as well. A well-trained user will complete most tasks more quickly and more efficiently than someone who has to work it out on their own, or constantly ask colleagues for assistance. That said training needs work both ways. If you’re currently in a job or looking for a job, a willingness to undertake training can go a long way to improving future prospects.

Research the training you feel that you need. You need to be able to explain the benefits to others, so make sure you have everything this to hand. This shows you care enough about the need for training; you’ve done your homework and thought through the benefits it will bring, not just to you but also immediate colleagues and the business. The training doesn’t have to translate directly into profits, but you should be able to demonstrate how any course, workshop or class will improve either your productivity or revenues. Because well-trained users are more efficient, they can get more done in the time available, thereby increasing productivity. Productivity covers a lot of areas: a class might improve your technical skills, help your time management, address workplace trouble spots, improve your negotiating skills, etc.

When it comes to benefits, don’t be afraid to get creative. Training benefits a business in many ways. It boosts competitiveness, productivity and staff motivation, and reduces recruitment costs. By taking on the hard work of identifying and organising your training, you’re contributing to the company’s success. In the same way, be willing to undertake training.

Few of us are so talented, gifted and knowledgeable that we wouldn’t benefit from some level of training. And don’t ignore your colleagues. Success in business is a team effort and even though it will cost more overall, it may be easier in some instances to argue for training a group of people. It makes your request seem less selfish and reinforces the idea that you’re looking out for the team.

If you’re considering a seminar or conference, stop and think about whether it might benefit others in your department, and talk to those co-workers about it. If they’re interested enough, you might just gain an ally when you approach the boss.

If you have a large group (more than 10 people), some seminar companies will bring events in-house, reducing your travel and hotel costs. And why is all this is important for anyone going for a job interview? Don’t be afraid to ask the company if they have financial provision for training, whether they would consider training as part of a personal development plan, what training others have undertaken, and even ask for the interviewer’s opinion on training. It’ll do two things: provide you with a picture of their commitment, as an employer, to you, and it will illustrate, in no uncertain terms, your ambition to continuously improve as a professional and work for an equally ambitious, well-organised outfit.

Contact Academy Class to find out how they can help.

 

 

ABOUT ACADEMY CLASS

 

 


We specialize in the development and education of cutting-edge digital media solutions to empower you to make the best use of today's computer-based communications solutions. Our hands on, project oriented classes are taught by Certified Adobe, Apple and Autodesk Instructors who are also Designers and Developers so you have come to the right place for the training you seek.

 

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