Learn as you earn and you’ll get ahead
ALMOST three-quarters of employees say they would like to talk to their manager more about their training needs.
Yalda Nabi, an accounts assistant at digital agency Cyber Duck, says: ‘I enjoyed the accountancy modules of my business studies degree, so I took this job and decided to ask my manager about accountancy training.
‘I ensured that he knew I was keen to gain more knowledge and practical experience and was willing to take on more work that would add to my skills. So when I discussed the idea of the company funding an Association of Accountancy Technicians course with him, he agreed.’
Yalda now fits the course studies around her job and looking after her two-year-old son, Rayyan. ‘I go to college in the evenings and take holidays to study before exams,’ says the 28-year-old from Elstree, Hertfordshire.
She adds: ‘If you want your employer to pay for training, you must show that you are determined and ambitious by working extra hard, and that the investment in your training will benefit the company.’ Olivia Hill, chief HR officer at the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), which did the training research, says: ‘Prepare before you talk to your boss. Find a suitable course or qualification and think about how it would help you perform better in your job.’
Many firms have a training budget for employees, so ask your employer. The AAT found up to 37 per cent of trainees in some categories are employer funded.
Regular training will enhance your skills, show your employer you are ambitious, increase your chances of promotion, or if you choose to change jobs, boost your CV.