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Workers Prefer On-Site Training Sessions
MENLO PARK, Calif. -- School may be out for the summer, but in the best workplaces, learning is continuous. And 33% of U.S. workers say an in-house, instructor-led workshop is the type of professional training they value most, a new OfficeTeam survey finds.
Tuition reimbursement for off-site seminars ranked second, with 22% of the response, surpassing online courses (18%) and reference books (16%).
Companies appear to be attuned to workers' desires for in-person training: 67% of human resources managers polled said their organization offers this type of instruction. Many firms also provide books or other reference materials (64%) and online courses (62%). However, only 35% of executives responded that they subsidize classes their employees take outside of work. In addition, 12% said they do not offer their staff any of these training options.
"Professionals need to continually adapt to industry developments and expand their abilities so their job skills remain relevant," said Robert Hosking, OfficeTeam executive director, in a prepared statement. "If their employers do not offer training options, workers should look for outside learning resources."
OfficeTeam offers five tips to help professionals keep their skills current:
- Find out what types of training opportunities are available within your company and whether tuition reimbursement is offered for external courses. Also, explore low-cost options such as online programs and books.
- Industry groups often conduct workshops and educational sessions where members can update their business knowledge and abilities. These events, whether in-person or online, also provide an avenue for networking and sharing ideas with others in a particular field.
- Talk to your manager about getting involved in projects outside of your normal responsibilities. Volunteer for assignments that stretch your skills.
- If your employer doesn't have an in-house mentoring program, look for someone inside or outside your company whose expertise you admire, and ask if he can help you.
- Volunteer to serve on committees or for leadership roles at organizations where you can develop skills that not only benefit the group but apply to your job.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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