When it comes to making decisions about training it seems to come down to the three ‘Cs'- cost, college and courses.

In terms of cost you may be wincing at the idea of hiring a firm to carry out a highly bespoke training course for your employees. Expensive bespoke courses are not the only option. For smaller businesses, which are common in the printwear and promotional industry, such courses are not always the right option. Job positions seem to have little or no boundaries in smaller offices and staff can find themselves doing a variety of different jobs and using different skills throughout the day. In this sense, training in how to make a call, or how to use a piece of software correctly can greatly aid the day to day activity of an office. Training in all areas of work is important, even for executives. If all members of staff are clued up, an office is likely to run smoother and business will certainly be better. 

This extends to the second ‘C', ‘college'. As suggested, training courses do not have to be expensive. As a matter of fact, smaller courses at a local college can sometimes be more beneficial than an expensive, highly bespoke course. Not only are college courses cheaper than bespoke business training courses, they can be more flexible than a course designed specifically for a company or specific group. College courses are generally designed to ensure that candidates can maintain their office and college work at the same time. Courses are designed to fit in with office work and assessment is carried out in reference to real life office situations. It is also very important that courses are delivered by a trained professional in an educational environment, making college courses a perfect choice for any company as this can be ensured every time.

This brings us to the final ‘C', ‘courses'. There are so many different types of business and administrative courses that can be undertaken. A key point when choosing a course is to ensure that the end qualification is recognised by those taking it and by employers in the industry. National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are one such example. NVQs are business related, skills based qualifications. The different levels of the NVQ courses also provide a sense of progression for candidates, which always gives a confidence boost! 

The best thing about doing an NVQ is that anyone can take a course at a location of their choice. Candidates are suggested a course which suits them best, in terms of previous knowledge and skills. NVQ courses are suitable for those who already have skills and want to develop them within a flexible time frame and structured environment. These courses can be taken at many different levels and therefore are suitable for everyone, even those at the top of the career ladder.

It is clear that training is something which is important for every business, no matter what type of industry that you are in. Not only will sufficient training aid the day to day business of a company, it will also help to eliminate any small or frustrating problems that staff may be facing.

If you are facing problems choosing a training course or just need advice maybe our TOP TEN TRAINING TIPS will help:

1. Start to consider external courses, for example at a local college.
2. Provide a flexible schedule which allows employees to take time to do this during work hours.
3. Provide informative literature which will encourage employees to take on different challenges i.e. books or leaflets in the office.
4. Be supportive of employees who undertake training courses, after all it is in your interest to keep them interested and engaged.
5. Enable your employee to discuss what kind of training they would like to undertake, this way they will really improve their skills.
6. Get an understanding of the courses you choose, before you choose them.
7. Research the college or company you use, this is as important as the course you choose.
8. Make training an on-going activity, and don't restrict it to new employees as even experienced employees need help with things!
9. Ensure that training will help prepare for changes in the industry or business.
10. Remember, the development of an engaged and interested employee will be a positive investment for your company.

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