It is the case for many adults that, when they receive extra funding or training, they can feel 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.
Could you benefit from further education or training? If so, there are certain things to remember when approaching an employer and asking them for training.
What are your course options?
Ahead of speaking to your employer about a course, ensure that you’ve researched it properly.
With many training and education providers, you’ll find that there is 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.
Remember that there are other ways to further your education aside from going to university. 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.
Many courses have been designed around you
When it comes to learning when you’re working, it’s understandable that your employer doesn’t want your work to be affected 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!
Many colleges have considered this and a lot of adult courses are flexible, and you 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.
Always speak to your college before talking to your employer to gather extra information. Ask for a detailed list of modules and methods of assessment for the course you’d like to apply for.
Remember that your learning can benefit others
You’re not the only person that can benefit from learning, you can bring a range of benefits to the business too.
Your new learning 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.
A lot of company bosses value their employee’s happiness. 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.
Bring as much information to the table as possible
It’s always a good idea 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.
The sort of information that they could benefit from might include; module overviews, assessment methods, course testimonials and information about websites or open days so that they can find out more if they want to.
You must remember that, 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.
Follow our 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.
