What’s the best way to ask your employer for funding?
With the right knowledge and training, many adults can bring more to their job and company. 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.
If you do want to speak your employer and ask for more funding, how should it be done? There are certain things to remember when approaching an employer and asking them for training. Members of the Newcastle College adult learning department give us their advice:
Spend time assessing your options
It’s important that you do plenty of research into your options before going to your employer. With many training and education providers, you’ll find that there are 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.
You should bear in mind that university is not your option to further your education. 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.
Courses are flexible
Put yourself in the shoes of an employer — they’re more likely to support your funding if they think it won’t affect your work productivity. Again, this is all about doing your research and demonstrating to your boss that there are flexible courses out there – designed for workers like you!
Assessment in many courses happens 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.
Why not speak to your local college to find out more about the module structure and methods of assessment?
Demonstrate further benefits
Are you aware of the benefits that you can bring to the business if you further your training?
You might be able to fill a knowledge gap in the company, 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.
The happiness and satisfaction of employees is important to many company bosses. 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.
Gather the information for them
Before you ask them about training, make sure you give them all the information they need upfront. This allows them to fully review all the information at a later date and saves them from doing in-depth research themselves.
Bring information such as; module overviews, assessment methods, course testimonials and information about websites or open days so that they can find out more if they want to.
Remember that you’ll have to commit to giving up a significant amount of your personal time to complete a course, especially if your employer isn’t able to give you time away from the workplace. Make sure your employer knows the sacrifices you are willing to make to improve your performance at work.
One last thing to note is that you should never be afraid to ask the question for funding. You and your employer can enjoy the many benefits.