At a time when candidate competition is fierce, it’s no wonder that more and more people are seeking out ways to make themselves stand out from the crowd. One of the best ways to do this is to simply be in a position to demonstrate additional skills, talents, and qualifications that others cannot.
Further training can be essential in terms of career growth and professional (and even personal) development, and there are many great training companies out there. Perhaps even too many! So how can you tell which is right for you? Here are 5 important factors to look for in a training company:
A Niche
Although we tend to use umbrella terms a lot, our roles — and our skills — tend to be much more specific. While we may work ‘in sales’, for example, we could be looking at improving specific sales-related skills, such as technology, communication, analytics, and so on. Therefore, it’s always best to look for a training company that covers the specific niche that you’re looking for as a module.
Content
There’s a saying: ‘You can have good, fast, or cheap: Pick two’. While this isn’t always true, it does highlight the fact that it’s important to weigh up the good with the bad, especially when it comes to training companies. Take some time to properly research the course content, remembering that particularly fast or cheap courses may not always include all the modules that you’re looking for.
Experience
Be sure to ask about the training staff and, most importantly, about their experience within the specific area of training you’re considering. Qualifications are one thing, but a mix of relevant qualifications and on-the-job experience can be hugely advantageous. That’s because these people can draw upon their own experiences to provide context and meaning to the course content that they’re delivering.
Post Training Support
In some cases, you may be able to finish your training and start putting those new skills to good use back in the office. In other cases, there may be some additional work that’s needed before you’re really able to spread your wings, such as assessments or exams. For these courses, be sure to ask what post-training support is available, to ensure that you have everything you need to gain your qualification.
Good Reviews
Many consumers write online reviews for the businesses that they deal with, so why not make use of this information? When choosing a training company, it’s important not to simply listen to the provider themselves, but also to take into account how previous attendees felt about their experience. Check out review sites like Yelp, or simply ask around at work or in the local area.
The good news is that, by keeping an eye out for these five aspects, it can be simple to find a local training provider that will help you to improve your existing skills, learn new things, and boost your career.
