With the right training and education, adults can bring more to their workplace and feel confident in their job. 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.
Are you thinking about asking your company for education funding? If so, there are certain things to remember when approaching an employer and asking them for training.
Consider all of the options
Before you suggest a course to your employer, make sure you’ve researched it properly. 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.
A lot of adults think that they have to go to university for further learning and qualifications, but this isn’t true. 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 and learning can be flexible
It’s understandable that your employer doesn’t want your education to interfere too much with your workload. Make sure you are doing your research and demonstrating to your boss that there are flexible courses out there – designed for workers like you!
A lot of adult courses are designed so that people can be assessed on the job. 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 for more information. Ask for a detailed list of modules and methods of assessment for the course you’d like to apply for.
Your education can benefit everyone
When you’ve been trained and educated further, you can bring a range of benefits to the business.
There could be a gap in the business in terms of employee knowledge for example that you could fill. 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.
It’s important for many company bosses that their employees are happy at work. 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.
Gather as much information as possible
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.
Give them as much information as possible, this could be; module overviews, assessment methods, course testimonials and information about websites or open days so that they can find out more if they want to.
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.
Take our tips on board when asking your employer for funding. Don’t be afraid to ask the question — you and your employer can both enjoy the many benefits.
This article was brought to you by members of the Newcastle College adult learning department.
