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  Training for the future

In these times of economic uncertainty, many organisations are questioning the need for a training budget. Some organisations are already reducing their training budget. Others are looking for ways to provide the same level of training more effectively, or at a lower cost.

Traditionally organisations have used training to provide specialists,  supervisors, managers and directors of the future. Often long term, specialist, training has been used to provide a career path for staff, as well as formal qualifications. Usually the training has also contributed towards academic, professional or vocational qualifications. 

However, many organisations do not encourage staff to stay within one part of the organisation for their complete career. Staff will be encouraged to gain additional skills within other parts of the organisations. Often staff will be 'encouraged' to spend part of  their career outside of the organisation, possibly rejoining later.

As a consequence, there is a move towards shorter term training, which is usually associated with the current work. Although some organisations also provide some career training, this tends to consist of short duration courses, aligned to the current Skills shortages. 

Training organisations have adapted to this trend. Many now provide a wide variety of related short tem courses. These can be be combined in a variety of different ways to provide a complete suite of training for an organisation, or an individuals career.

These short term courses can be very effective by providing training in specific skills. However, many courses may be needed to provide comprehensive, rounded,  career skills to an individual, or group. Inevitably, this means greater expense, although it can be spread over a longer period, or even stopped for a while.

This approach also takes into account  the concept of 'Knowledge Workers', providing specialist skills in a variety of complex data related areas. These people have specific skills which need to be updated regularly, as technology and concepts progress. A regular specialist short course can provide the necessary update to their skills, as well as helping to retain them.

Therefore, care needs to be taken in selecting the most appropriate training for staff in these times of economic uncertainty. Whilst it is easy to reduce the training budget as an economy measure. It is important to consider the future training needs, when the economy improves. Organisations will want to  take full advantage of this, as quickly as possible. Good, effective training will give the organisation the competitive edge it needs to take advantage of the upturn in the economy, quickly. 

Whilst long term career training may not be always be appropriate, it is essential that good training is provided for staff. This training should not just be for their immediate use, consideration should also be given to the future skills requirements for the organisation and the individuals.

If you need help with assessing your training needs during the current conditions of economic  uncertainty, or wish to find out how Migrators can help you implement / improve training, within your organisation please contact our specialist consultants, by email at workshops@migrators.co.uk, or by telephone on + 44 79 73 167 005.

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